UNC football helmet — Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

UNC Football Might Be 'Gaining Ground' for Nation's No. 1 Recruit

The UNC football coaches are reportedly making David Sanders Jr. a top priority.

Author:
Matt Giles
Oct 18, 2023 3:15 PM EDT

In this story:

UNC football welcomed offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. to Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, as the Providence Day School (N.C.) five-star watched the Tar Heels defeat the visiting Miami Hurricanes, 41-31.

Then, earlier this week, 247Sports director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong suggested the Tar Heels could be firmly in the mix for the 6-foot-6, 270-pound junior, who ranks No. 1 overall in the 2025 class:

"David Sanders had a chance to camp over the summer, where he got to work out with offensive line coach Randy Clements...Coach Clements made an impression on him. North Carolina is undefeated. North Carolina is pretty much done recruiting in 2024. It's all hands on deck for 2025. David Sanders is target No. 1...He's also a terrific student. North Carolina certainly boasts strong academics in that regard as well."

Wiltfong added that the UNC football staff faces "stiff competition" in recruiting powerhouses Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, and Tennessee.

The following posted video on Friday night from Charlotte Sports Live's Gabe McDonald, which David Sanders Jr. later reposted, shows the top-shelf prep "rocking an Alabama towel and gloves" and might signal the Crimson Tide as sitting pretty in the high-profile sweepstakes:

However, 247Sports' Grant Hughes reiterated in a post that the Tar Heels seem hopeful, as they are "reportedly gaining ground" for potentially the program's first No. 1 recruit this century.

UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his gang have already reeled in commitments from three 2025 targets: Cary (N.C.) offensive lineman Trey Blue, McDonough School (Md.) three-star edge Kamden Laudenslager, and East Forsyth (N.C.) three-star quarterback Bryce Baker.

It's still extremely early in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Even so, it's worth noting the Tar Heels' haul ranks No. 21 in the country (No. 4 in the ACC below Miami, Clemson, and Florida State).