Since returning to Chapel Hill for his second stint, head soccer coach Mack Brown has labored exhausting to enhance the Tar Heels’ efficiency on the recruiting path.

In his first three recruiting cycles, Brown reeled in a few of the highest-rated recruits in program historical past, together with five-star prospects Tony Grimes, Zach Rice and Travis Shaw. As North Carolina appears to finalize its subsequent class, the Tar Heels await the faculty bulletins of quite a few recruits.

Right here’s a take a look at some key prospects within the class of 2023 whose choices may assist UNC safe a fourth consecutive top-25 recruiting class.

Daevin Hobbs

Ranked the No. 2 prospect within the state of North Carolina in response to 247Sports, Daevin Hobbs stands as one of many high uncommitted recruits left on UNC’s radar. 

The 6-foot-4-inch four-star defensive lineman possesses the velocity and flexibility to excel as a defensive finish on the collegiate degree. Hobbs’ wide selection of abilities was on full show throughout his time at Jay M. Robinson Excessive College, the place he led the Bulldogs in sacks throughout his junior season whereas additionally enjoying on offense at tight finish.

Hobbs’ athletic abilities stretch past the gridiron. In 2022, Hobbs helped lead Robinson to an NCHSAA 2A state title in basketball. Within the state championship recreation, he scored 16 factors and snagged 17 rebounds to deliver residence the state championship’s MVP honors.

After initially setting his resolution date for Aug. 1, Hobbs pushed again his announcement to an undetermined date. A number of the colleges that made his remaining checklist embrace North Carolina, Alabama and Michigan. 

Kaveion Keys

With the current dedication of defensive lineman Joel Starlings, the Tar Heels hope to safe one other four-star participant from Virginia in Kaveion Keys.

In his junior marketing campaign, the fast-twitch linebacker led Varina Excessive College to its first-ever Class 4A soccer state title with a 28-21 win over Broad Run final December. Keys takes snaps at quite a lot of positions, serving as one among Varina’s high cross rushers whereas additionally often lining up at extensive receiver and working again.

Aided by his fast instincts, Keys performs nearly all of his snaps as an edge rusher whereas often dropping again into protection to the outer portion of the sphere. Together with his velocity and energy, Keys fills the calls for of the “jack” place completely for Tar Heels — a brand new place created by assistant head coach of the protection Gene Chizik whose sole responsibility is to hurry the quarterback.

Keys is ready to announce his resolution on Aug. 27. Up to now, the Richmond, Va. native has solely taken official visits to North Carolina and Penn State, suggesting these two colleges are the favorites to land him.

Paul Billups

Together with his dedication set for Aug. 24, North Carolina is trying to land receiver Paul Billups to safe its third wideout commit for the category of 2023.

Hailing from Chesapeake, Va., Billups serves because the lead goal for Western Department Excessive College. This previous season, his play propelled the Bruins to a 10-3 season that ended with a playoff loss to eventual state champion, Oscar Smith.

Standing at 6 ft, 2 inches, Billups has been one of many Bruins’ high deep-ball threats and has incessantly been in a position to open up the sphere for his staff’s offense. Furthermore, his rangy construct and robust palms enable Billups to make contested catches look routine. 

Like many high highschool prospects, Billups performs either side of the ball, additionally lining up at security on protection.

Together with his dedication date shortly approaching, Billups’ recruitment is winding down. The three colleges he’ll select from are North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Michigan State.

@evanr0gers

@dthsports | sports activities@dailytarheel.com