A nice follow-up to yesterday's story about football players leaving the program. Today UNC has four players coming in as early enrollees which is always a good thing. What's even better is two of them are highly touted offensive linemen T.J. Leifhert and James Hurst.
Hurst and Leifheit are considered two of the nation's top high school offensive linemen. Hurst, a native of Plainfield, Ind., is ranked the No. 10 player in the country and the natiion's No. 2 offensive tackle by Rivals.com. His brother, Nelson, is a tight end for the Tar Heels. Leifheit played three seasons at Wilmington's Hoggard High School and is ranked the No. 10 offensive tackle by ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.
Given the Heels' problems on the offensive line, having both these two on the roster for spring practice is extremely important. Also enrolling early are cornerback D.J. Bunn and tight end Sean Fitzpatrick. UNC's secondary is pretty well covered so Bunn will likely watch and learn in his first season. Zach Pianalto is due to return at tight end so like Bunn, Fitzpatrick will be shuffled back on the depth chart. Hurst and Leifheit on the other hand could see playing time right away. UNC needs depth on the offensive line and did lose a couple of seniors. Something tells me that factored into the decisions of both players to get to campus now.
And cue waiver wire talk from Wolfpack fans in 3...2...1...