UNC Tar Heels football recruiting: Devon Hunter has North Carolina in his top 11

The University of North Carolina football program is in the midst of a tough battle as prospect Devon Hunter announced last week that UNC was among his top 11. One of the best athletes in the 2017 class, he once boasted offers from over 30 different school before trimming the list down. The others in his top 11 include Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech. The plan is to cut down that list over the season, and make a decision by Christmas.

Scout.com rates the six-foot-two, 205 pounder as a five-star talent, though other outlets have him at a four. Scout ranks him no. 4 overall, as well as no. 3 in his position, and no.1 in the state of Virginia. He is a versatile and athletic talent that has the skill to play quarterback and wide receiver, though he will likely head into college as a safety. Michael Clark of Inside Carolina describes him as "big, strong and athletic. He has great speed and is extremely physical. Hunter shows good concentration and has good ball skills. He is also smart and puts himself in position to make plays."

As a rising senior, he's coming off an impressive junior year where he accumulated 91 tackles, broke up 11 passes, made three interceptions, forced a fumble, and made three offensive scores. Hunter seems like the kind of guy who can come into any program and dominate on the field, even if he is one of the younger players out there.

The Tar Heels have actually been on Hunter for awhile, making him an offer back when he was only in 8th grade. Having recently been in attendance for Carolina's Freak Show prospect camp, Hunter feels that "I have a great relationship with the whole coaching staff and I could come in and play early and make an impact." Unfortunately, the Chesapeake, Virginia native also received an offer from Virginia Tech way back when, and most experts expect him to ultimately commit to the Hokies. Clemson is also considered a favorite to land him, but we'll see.