All Tar Heels

Early Enrollee Lineman Makes His UNC Football Pledge Official

UNC football recruiting prize Jani Norwood is "a dancing bear."

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Jani Norwood, one of 20 in the 27-deep 2024 UNC football recruiting class who plan to enroll early as Tar Heels, signed his national letter of intent earlier this week. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound offensive lineman at Eastern Randolph High School (N.C.) announced his pledge in April, choosing UNC over NC State, Virginia, and others.

He ranks No. 888 overall, No. 66 at his position, and No. 29 in the state on the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

The Tar Heels welcomed Norwood to the family with the following posted highlights and hype video:

Here's a summary of what Jani Norwood has to offer in the eyes of 247Sports recruiting analyst Don Callahan:

"Norwood is what you call a 'dancing bear.' He's 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds — and holds that weight nicely on his broad frame — but is incredibly light on his feet. He's clearly an interior lineman, likely on defense as a run-plugging nose tackle. But, he could easily play offensive guard where he’d plow run lanes open."

UNC football's haul includes seven composite four-stars. It ranks No. 26 overall and No. 4 in the ACC, per the 247Sports composite team ranking.

UNC Locks in Aggressive Defensive Lineman From Florida

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC football recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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