Early enrollees in UNC football defense hope to infuse the team with skill and enthusiasm.
Early enrolled four-star prospect Jaiden Patterson is ranked as the nation’s 175th-best player in the country and the No. 20 player in Georgia. Patterson is pictured during a football press conference on February 28, 2024, in Chapel Hill, NC., NC.
The defensive half of North Carolina’s early enrollees spoke to the media for the first time on Feb. 28. A handful of the 2024 first-year class, ranked as high as No. 22 in the nation according to Rivals.com, have participated in workouts and practices since UNC’s bowl game in late December.
Now, with less than two months until the Tar Heel spring football game, here are three key takeaways from media day:
Early wake-ups and fine dining
Since the majority of early enrollees are fresh out of high school, the adjustment from Friday night lights to the DI level can be eye-opening. Nearly every recruit had some type of ‘wow moment’ after their first workout with the team.
For defensive back Jaiden Patterson, his welcome to UNC football began with his alarm clock blaring at five in the morning. By 6:30, the 4-star prospect was in one of the most rambunctious weight rooms of his life.
“Everybody’s energy was crazy,” Patterson said. “I was just like wow.”
Fellow DB Tyrane Stewart had the most unique moment out of everyone. The junior college transfer admitted that life as a Tar Heel moved a whole lot faster. Ranging from workouts to classroom material, Stewart mentioned how it’s taking him time to adapt after two years at East Mississippi Community College.
But playing at a DI level has certain perks that JUCO, the junior college level, doesn’t offer. What new luxury is Stewart most excited about?
“[I] keep eating till I get big,” he said. “I like it. At JUCO we didn’t have all these resources.”
The addition of pass rushers Daniel Anderson and Curtis Simpson adds a jolt of youth to a veteran defensive line for the Tar Heels.
Last year, senior jack Kaimon Rucker led UNC in tackles for loss including a team-high 8.5 sacks. Now in his final season of football, Rucker has taken Anderson and Simpson under his wing since they first stepped foot on campus.
