NCAA Signing Day 2016: UNC Signs 19 LOI, making 26 for the Freshman Class of ’16

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora signed 19 students to football National Letters of Intent Wednesday.

Seven Tar Heels enrolled in January to bring the 2016 class to a total of 26.  The class includes 16 players on defense and 10 on offense.  Fedora and his staff signed seven defensive backs, five defensive linemen, four linebackers, three offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two wide receivers, two tight ends and one running back.

“We had a great day today,” said Fedora.  “It was an exciting day for our staff, our support staff, all the people here at Carolina, the recruits, their families, everybody.  Most all of these guys we have been recruiting for more than a year and we have close relationships with them and their families.

“This group of guys understands the value of an education.  It’s one of the reasons they chose the University of North Carolina because they can get a world class education and play at the highest level.”

Carolina’s recruiting class is currently ranked No. 21 by Rivals.com and No. 23 by Scout.com.

2016 NORTH CAROLINA SIGNEES

Jordon Brown
Running Back • 5-10 • 180
Durham, N.C. (Southern)

Four-star athlete who is listed as the No. 7 all-purpose back in the nation by Rivals.com • Considered the No. 12 player in North Carolina by Rivals • Ranked the No. 11 all-purpose back in the country by 247sports.com • Considered the No. 21 player in North Carolina by 247sports.com • Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Helped lead Southern Durham to a 12-4 record and the NCHSAA 3AA state championship game before falling to Shelby Crest • Played quarterback in the state championship game and threw for one touchdown and ran for two more • As a senior, ran for 1,705 yards and 26 touchdowns on 268 carries • Also had 29 catches for 505 yards and eight scores • As a junior, he had 950 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns and 550 yards receiving and eight touchdowns • Rushed for 753 yards and scored 13 touchdowns as a sophomore, while also catching 23 passes for 415 yards and three scores • As a sophomore, scored the state championship game-winning TD on an 80-yard catch-and-run in the final moments to lift Southern Durham to a 38-31 win over Crest • High school head coach was Darius Robinson • Son of Antonio and Carol Brown • Birthday is April 28.

Logan Byrd
Quarterback • 6-3 • 230
Warner Robins, Ga. (Veterans)

Four-star recruit who is ranked the No. 15 pro-style quarterback in the country by 247sports.com • Considered the No. 32 player overall in Georgia • Played in the Semper Fi All-America Bowl • PrepStar All-America as one of the nation’s top 350 players • Ranked the No. 20 player in Georgia by ESPN.com and the No. 10 pocket passer in the country • Rivals.com considers him the No. 13 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 29 player in Georgia • Three-year starter who threw for 3,902 yards with 27 touchdowns at Veterans • Rushed for 930 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, including a 99-yard run against West Laurens and 81-yarder against Howard • Rushed for nearly 1,800 yards in his career • Helped lead his high school to the playoffs in three of his four varsity seasons • High school head coach was David Bruce • Son of Mike and Shannon Byrd • Birthday is Sept. 1.

Kyree Campbell
Defensive Tackle • 6-4 • 305
Woodbridge, Va. (Woodbridge)

Four-star prospect with outstanding quickness • Considered the No. 9 player in Virginia by Rivals.com • Ranked the No. 12 player in the state of Virginia and the No. 40 defensive tackle in the country by 247sports.com • Listed the No. 10 player in Virginia and No. 35 defensive tackle by ESPN.com • PrepStar All-Atlantic Region • Named all-state and All-Met as a senior • Played in the Offense-Defense All-American Senior Bowl • Posted 12.5 sacks as a sophomore and was an all-5A North Region second-team selection • Helped his team reach the playoffs for the first time in the school’s history in 2013 • Missed much of his junior year due to injury • Transferred from Freedom to Woodbridge for his senior season • High school head coach was Gary Wortham • Son of Kim Campbell • Birthday is Jan. 18.

Allen Cater
Defensive End • 6-4 • 240
Hiram, Ga. • Mt. Paran Christian School

Ranked the No. 8 defensive end in Georgia and the No. 36 at that position in the South by Scout.com • Considered the No. 65 strongside defensive end in the country by 247sports.com • received all-state, all-region, all-metro, and All-Cobb County honors following his senior season. • Posted 48 tackles and two sacks as a junior to help lead Mt. Paran to Cobb County first state championship in 47 years as the team went 14-0 • Earned second-team all-region honors as a junior • Played in the Georgia Junior-Sophomore Elite Classic • High school head coach was Mitch Jordan • Also plays on the basketball team and has lettered in track running the 400, 200, 4×100, 4×400, and competing in the long jump • Plays the drums • Birthday is Oct. 11.

J.B. Copeland
Linebacker • 6-3 • 225
Southlake, Texas (Southlake Carroll/Navarro Collge)

Rated the No. 10 junior college outside linebacker prospect in the country • Ranked seventh in the country among Junior Colleges with 11.6 tackles per game • In 10 games, he recorded 116 tackles, five sacks, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and broke up a pass • PrepStar All-Southwest Region • Played his freshman season at New Mexico State University where he saw action in eight games and started six • Two-year starter at linebacker for Southlake Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas, before attending NMSU • As a senior, played in just three games, recording 41 tackles, an interception and a pass break up • Was in on ninety tackles, forty-five solo, eight sacks and three interceptions with one of those for a touchdown as a junior at Southlake Carroll High School • Coached by Cody Crill at Navarro • Birthday day is Dec. 6.

Nolan DeFranco
Defensive End • 6-6 • 230
Winter Garden, Fla. (West Orange)

Member of the Orlando Sentinel’s 2016 Central Florida Super60 • Helped guide West Orange to back-to-back district titles and the program’s first regional championship • Team steadily improved throughout his career, earning first playoff win since 1999 in 2014 and then finishing 12-2 as a senior • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Earned all-district honors as a senior • Listed as the No. 44 defensive end prospect in the South by Scout.com and is the No. 18 defensive end in Florida • Considered one of the top 150 prospects in Florida by 247sports.com • Listed as the No. 73 weakside defensive end in the nation by 247sports.com • Earned class 8A second-team all-state honors • Honor roll student • High school head coach was Bob Head • Son of Terri and Joe DeFranco • Birthday is Jan. 29.

Myles Dorn
Defensive Back • 6-2 • 185
Charlotte, N.C. (Vance)

Outstanding athlete who played defensive back and wide receiver in high school • Rated the No. 14 player in North Carolina by Rivals.com and the No. 17 safety in the country • Considered the No. 20 player in North Carolina by 247sports.com and the No. 21 player by ESPN.com • Standout on both sides of the ball for Vance, recording six interceptions as a defensive back and 1,393 yards on 95 catches as a wide receiver • PrepStar All-Atlantic Region • Son of Torin Dorn, former UNC running back and defensive back from 1986-89 • Torin rushed for 1,071 yards in his first three years in Chapel Hill, then started every game as a senior at cornerback before embarking on a six-year NFL career • Myles’ brother, Torin Jr., plays basketball at NC State • His mother, Rhonda, also graduated from UNC • High school head coach was Aaron Brand • Birthday is June 25.

Marlon Dunlap
Defensive Tackle • 6-4 • 300
Charlotte, N.C. (West Charlotte)

Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Four-year starter on defense • PrepStar All-Atlantic Region • As a junior, had 70 tackles, 19 for a loss and eight sacks • Made first-team all-conference in the MECKA 4A, arguably North Carolina’s toughest conference • Averaging four tackles and facing near-constant double teams • High school head coach was Daren Hart • Son of Quinta and Marlon Dunlap Sr. • Birthday is Oct. 18.

Luke Elder
Offensive Lineman • 6-4 • 290
LaGrange, Ga. (LaGrange)

Team MVP • Earned all-state and all-region honors • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Member of the National Honor Society and a distinguished honors graduate • Considered one of the top 50 players in Georgia by 247sports.com • Member of the Rivals Top 75 in Georgia • Had a strong showing in the Rivals Camp Series in Atlanta • Ranked the No. 21 offensive tackle in the South by Scout.com • High school head coach was Dialleo Burks • Son of Christy and Jared Elder • His father, Jared, played basketball at Tennessee Tech • Birthday is June 12.

D.J. Ford
Defensive Back • 6-3 • 195
Ashland, Ala. (Central)

Started at safety on defense and split end on offense for Clay Central • Led the team in tackles and intercepted three passes • Earned all-area honors as a senior • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Member of the Beta Club • High school head coach was Kris Herron • Son of John Garrett and Asheika Ford • Birthday is July 7.

Tomon Fox
Defensive End • 6-3 • 235
Lawrenceville, Ga. (Collins Hill)

Member of the ESPN 300, ranking No. 194 overall in the country regardless of position • Tabbed as the No. 19 player in Georgia and the No. 27 defensive end in the country • Considered the No. 12 weakside defensive end in the nation and the No. 25 overall player in Georgia by Rivals.com • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Named first-team all-state • As a senior, registered 114 tackles (73 solo), 29 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 34 quarterback hurries, one interception, four passes deflected, forced four fumbles and blocked two punts • Played in the annual Rivalries of Gwinnett County all-star game • As a junior, was named third team All-County by the Gwinnett Daily Post, finishing the season with 34 tackles (five for a loss) and a county-best 13 sacks • NUC Five-Star South Showcase Defensive End MVP • Played in the Georgia Junior-Sophomore Elite Classic • High school head coach was Kevin Reach • Also competes on the track team • Son of Monica and Tony Fox • Birthday is March 16.

Rontavius Groves
Wide Receiver • 5-11 • 175
Nashville, Tenn. (Pearl-Cohn)

Nickname is “Toe” • Earned all-state, all-mid state, all-region and all-metro honors • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Posted 59 receptions for 1,067 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior • Also rushed 20 times for 127 yards and a touchdown • Made 38 tackles (26 solo) and had two interceptions • Returned seven kickoffs for 112 yards and returned two punts for 45 yards • High school head coach was Brandon Woods • Son of Jatabya Groves • Birthday is Jan. 13.

Tyrone Hopper
Linebacker • 6-4 • 210
Roswell, Ga. (Roswell)

Helped lead Roswell to at 14-1 record and the Georgia High School Athletic Association 6A state championship game • All Metro North Fulton County and named to Region 5-6A First Team •
Ranked among the top 100 players in Georgia by ESPN.com • Considered the No. 39 outside linebacker in the country and No. 43 player in Georgia by Rivals.com • Rated the No. 3 linebacker in Georgia and the No. 15 linebacker in the South by Scout.com • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • As a junior, he accumulated 113 tackles, four sacks, and 24 pass breakups • Played in the Georgia Junior-Sophomore Elite Classic • High school head coach was John Ford • Son of Jeanette and Tyrone Hopper Sr. • Originally from Shelby, N.C. • Birthday is July 9.

Roscoe Johnson
Wide Receiver • 6-1 • 180
Jonesville, S.C. • Union County

Rated the No. 13 prospect in South Carolina by ESPN.com • Caught 50 passes for more than 800 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior • Named first-team all-area • PrepStar All-Atlantic Region • Was a North/South bowl selection • Missed his sophomore season with an injury • High school head coach was Steve Taneyhill • Son of Sharon Peake • Birthday is Dec. 8.

Jay-Jay McCargo
Offensive Lineman • 6-4 • 300
Alexandria, Va. (Bishop O’Connell)

Rated the No. 10 player in the state of Virginia and the No. 29 offensive tackle in the country by Rivals • Considered the ninth-best player in Virginia and the No. 35 tackle nationally by 247sports • Earned a spot in the prestigious Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl • Earned first-team VISAA Division I all-state and All-WCAC honors as a senior at Bishop O’Connell • PrepStar All-Atlantic Region • High school head coach was Colin Disch • Son of Alanna and Jay McCargo • Birthday is June 4.

James Pierre
Defensive Back • 6-0 • 170
Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach)

Considered one of the top 100 players in the state of Florida and the No. 48 safety in the nation in the 247sports composite rankings • Ranked the No. 42 safety in the country by Rivals.com • Listed as the No. 22 safety in the East by Scout.com • Considered one of the top 25 players in Broward County • Sun Sentinel All-County honorable mention as a senior • Posted 48 tackles, four interceptions and two pass deflections as a senior • Also had four punt returns for 79 yards and a touchdown • Led Deerfield Beach to a 10-2 mark and a spot in the regional semifinals in the 8A state playoffs • High school coach is Jevon Glenn • Son of Natalie McNeil • Birthday is September 16.

Tyler Pritchett
Offensive Lineman • 6-3 • 300
Auburn, Ala. (Auburn)

Ranked the No. 20 player in the state of Alabama and the No. 41 offensive guard nationally by ESPN • Rated the No. 27 player in Alabama and the No. 37 offensive guard in the country by 247sports • Also considered the No. 22 player in Alabama by Rivals • Named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A All-State first team as a senior • Earned a spot in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game • Named one of the Opelika-Auburn News Super 8 seniors • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Played in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl • Led an Auburn offensive line that blocked for 2,681 rushing yards in 2015 • Has an 80-inch wingspan • High school head coach was Adam Winegarden • Son of Antoinette and Robert Pritchett • Birthday is Sept. 30.

Patrice Rene
Defensive Back • 6-2 • 200
Alexandria, Va. (Episcopal)

Considered a four-star prospect by Rivals and rated the No. 7 player in the state of Virginia and the No. 22 safety in the country • Also ranked the No. 9 player in Virginia and the No. 25 cornerback nationally by ESPN • Considered the No. 2 safety in the East and the No. 31 safety in the country by Scout.com • Named first-team VISAA Division I all-state as a senior at Episcopal • Also played wide receiver • Team MVP and captain • Originally from Ottawa, Canada • Earned second-team All-Met honors from the Washington Post as a senior and was a 2014 CBSSports All-America selection • High school head coach was Panos Voulgaris • Son of Marie Rene • Birthday is Nov. 19.

Dominique Ross
Linebacker • 6-3 • 210
Jacksonville, Fla. • Trinity Christian Academy

Rated the No. 38 outside linebacker in the country by Scout and ESPN • Ranked the No. 4 outside linebacker in Florida by Scout • Also considered the No. 48 outside linebacker nationally and the No. 77 player in the state of Florida by Rivals • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Named first-team class 3A all-state as a senior at Trinity Christian • Member of the Orlando Sentinel Super 11 • Helped lead Trinity to a 14-0 record and the FHSAA 3A state championship • As a senior, had 54 tackles (33 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, broke up 10 passes, recovered two fumbles and forced four fumbles • High school head coach was Verlon Dorminey • Son of Teresa Miller and Dominique Ross, Sr. • Birthday is Dec. 21.

Greg Ross
Defensive Back • 6-1 • 175
Temple Hills, Md. (Potomac)

Ranked the No. 1 safety in the state of Maryland and the No. 34 safety in the country by Scout • Also considered the No. 18 player overall in Maryland by Rivals and No. 23 by 247sports • PrepStar All-Atlantic Region • Helped lead Potomac to a 10-3 mark as a senior • Posted 78 tackles (42 solo), four interceptions and four pass breakups • High school head coach was Ronnie Crump • Son of Adrienne and Greg Ross, Sr. • Birthday is March 13.

K.J. Sails
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 165
Riverview, Fla. • East Bay

Listed as the No. 28 cornerback in the nation by 247sports.com • Considered the No. 45 cornerback in the country by Rivals.com • Played in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Daytona Beach • As a senior, finished with 27 tackles, two pass breakups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five blocked kicks for East Bay • Also led the team in receiving with 21 catches for 344 yards and three touchdowns • Averaged 34.3 yards on 10 kick returns and 15.5 yards on 11 punt returns • High school head coach was Frank Larosa • Birthday is May 2.

Jonathan Smith
Linebacker • 6-1 • 230
Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland)

Ranked the No. 26 player in North Carolina by 247sports.com and the No. 11 inside linebacker in the country • Considered the No. 20 player in North Carolina and the No. 17 inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com • Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Named the area Defensive Player of the Year by WPDE-TV • Helped lead Scotland to its fifth-straight Southeastern Conference championship as a senior by recording 120 tackles (17 for loss), one forced fumble and recovery, and three interceptions • Provided the highlight of the Scotland’s season in the regular season finale against Richmond Senior, picking of a pass in the red zone during the final seconds • Twice named all-state • Named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season • As a junior, was named to the 2014 AP all-state team and earned conference player of the year honors as Scotland finished 12-2 overall and advanced to the third round of the state 4A playoffs • Totaled a team-high 156 tackles (22 for loss), four sacks and an interception that season • High school head coach was Richard Bailey • Son of Sharonica and Jonathan Smith Sr. • Birthday is June 11.

Chazz Surratt
Quarterback • 6-3 • 205
Denver, N.C. (East Lincoln)

Named The Associated Press offensive player of the year in North Carolina • Gatorade state player of the year • Two-time first-team AP all-state selection • MaxPreps national small schools player of the year • Broke the state record for career total yards with 16,593 and also owns the state record for touchdown responsibility with 229 career scores • Threw for 3,536 yard and 51 touchdowns with 10 interceptions during his senior season • Also ran for 1,345 yards and 15 more scores • Led East Lincoln, the reigning 2-AA champion, to 30 straight wins • Broke the state record for total offense held previously by Charlotte Independence quarterback and three-time state champion Chris Leak • Named the 2014 and 2015 North Carolina Prep Player of the Year (only two-time winner) • Wendy’s High School All-America • Finished second for AP player of the year voting as a junior • All-state selection in basketball as a junior • Member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club • High school head coach was Mike Byus • Son of Kevin and Brandi Surratt • Birthday is Feb. 16.

Noah Turner
Tight End • 6-3 • 245
Mundelein, Ill. (Carmel Catholic)

Rated the No. 19 tight end in the country and the No. 22 player in the state of Illinois by ESPN • Also considered the No. 28 tight end and the No. 16 player in Illinois by Rivals • Ranked the No. 2 tight end in Illinois and the No. 25 tight end nationally by Scout • Caught 13 passes for 360 yards and five touchdowns as a junior at Carmel Catholic • PrepStar All-Midwest Region • Had his senior season cut short due to a foot injury • Coached by Andy Bitto • Son of Tracy and Katie Turner • Birthday is April 27.

Garrett Walston
Tight End • 6-4 • 225
Wilmington, N.C. (New Hanover)

Considered one of the top tight ends in the country – ranks No. 17 by Scout.com and No. 19 by 247sports.com • Ranked the No. 19 player in North Carolina by 247sports.com • PrepStar All-Southeast Region • Senior captain who helped lead New Hanover to an 12-3 mark as a senior and a deep run in the state playoffs • New Hanover advanced to the semifinals of the 4A playoffs before falling to Greenville Rose • Recorded 61 receptions for 933 yards and nine touchdowns • Also had two rushing touchdowns and threw one • Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Named the Wilmington Star-News All-Area offensive player of the year • High school head coach was Earl Smith • Son of Louise and David Walston • Birthday is Jan. 20.

Myles Wolfolk
Defensive Back • 6-0 • 190
Upper Marlboro, Md. (Wise)

Considered the No. 9 cornerback in the East by Scout.com • Rated the 2016 Class No. 7 player in Maryland and the No. 41 cornerback nationally by Rivals.com • Named the Maryland Rivals 2015 Defensive Back of the Year • First-team Washington Post All-MET and first-team All-State at defensive back • 2015 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Maryland Football Team First Team Defensive Back • First-team All-County at defensive back and wide receiver • Started at defensive back in the 2015 Chick-Fil-A Challenge All-Star Football Game • As a two-way starter at both defensive back and wide receiver Myles helped lead Wise to an undefeated 14-0 season and a victory in the MPSSAA Class 4A State Championship • He led Wise with eight interceptions • Also broke up six passes and made 32 tackles • Caught 44 passes for 767 yards and 15 touchdowns • He was also the punt returner and averaged 29.4 yards per return as a kickoff returner • National Honor Society Candidate • Son of Charlotte and Kevin Wolfolk.

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