North Carolina is off to the best start with its 2025 recruiting class, with seven commitments on the board and a top-five class in the ACC. The Tar Heels are gearing up offensively with five commitments, but they hope to add one of their top targets to the commit list soon.
4 Star EDGE in Cooper, Burlington, Kentucky austin alexander He has been a coveted player on UNC’s list since receiving an offer in August. And as we get deeper into spring, things seem to be trending toward the Tar Heels.
On Wednesday, On3’s Steve Wiltfong gave the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) an expert nomination, ultimately naming Mack Brown & Co. to acquire Anderson. To do that, he’ll have to contend with Kentucky, Notre Dame and a handful of other programs looking to add him to their class.
Anderson has played both sides at the high school level, but is being scouted by colleges as an EDGE defender.
As a junior, he totaled 67 receptions, 1,138 yards, and 19 touchdowns on offense. Defensively, he had 81 tackles, 19 sacks, one interception, and two fumble recoveries.
As a sophomore, he totaled 85 tackles, 11 sacks, and one interception, and on offense caught 34 passes for 522 yards and six touchdowns.
Learn more about North Carolina’s Class of 2025
After finishing in the top 25 of the On3 industry team recruiting rankings in the 2024 cycle, Brown and Co. are aiming to improve on that in 2025.
Seven early initiatives, two of which are ranked among the nation’s top 300 players, will go a long way towards making that happen. At the top of this class are Gainesville (Ga.) four-star offensive lineman Alex Payne, who was active in January, and four-star quarterback Bryce Baker, who gave the Tar Heels an argument last summer. .
Payne was one of On3’s top performers at Under Armor Next Camp in Atlanta earlier this spring and received high praise from Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power.
“Sunday’s game against Under Armor Atlanta didn’t see as much action from an offensive lineman as Alex Payne,” Power wrote. “At 6-foot-5 and weighing 265 pounds, he displayed nimble athleticism in practice and one-on-one. The Gainesville (Ga.) High product carried his weight very well and was able to practice his movements. He displayed advanced skill in pass protection and quickly added depth within the set. Payne had two strong reps in one-on-ones and won the win. tyler atkinson – Small, quick pass rusher – Shows ability to get to the edge and anchor upon contact. “Mr. Payne has committed to go to North Carolina on January 17th.”
