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UNC Recruiting: Cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields includes North Carolina in his top six

By Jason Cohen

Tariq Castro-Fields has declared that North Carolina is amongst the list of his top six schools as UNC continues their push for a strong 2017 recruitment class. The other programs include Alabama, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Penn State, and Michigan State with most schools recruiting him as a cornerback at this point.

The three-star cornerback was initially evaluated as an athlete before offers started to come in. Castro-Fields has proven to be a versatile player with experience at both wide receiver and defensive back. He is currently ranked as the 42nd-best cornerback in his class, ranking 401st overall in the 247 Sports national composite, and 11th overall in his home state of Maryland.

At six-foot-one, 173 pounds, he's considered a raw athlete who is always a threat to snag balls in the air or rip them out of an opponent's hands when it comes to defense. Otherwise, he's spoken about how well he's done all over the field:

"I think I'm a speedy receiver who can run routes and get out of his breaks fast," Castro-Fields said. "I'm good at catching deep balls and can also run any route in the route tree. On defense, I'm a versatile defensive back. I can play any position. This year I played the star, which is like a hybrid type defensive back. I can play both corners and both safeties, strong and free. Another thing is I can run with the best and I'm physical at the point of attack. I can make tackles also."

It is believed that his natural talents on the field will allow Castro-Fields to essentially choose what position he wants to play in college. Castro-Fields has the potential to fit at three or four different positions. His body has room to grow, so he could fill out his frame to make himself more viable for whatever role he chooses.

When it comes to recruitment, the University of Maryland is the likely favorite, considering the home state appeal. Right now they have a 75% reading on the 247Sports crystal ball prediction. Despite receiving his offer from UNC in March, Castro-Fields doesn't seem to be any closer to a decision at this time. He plans to visit Virginia Tech on July 23, and will then focus on the upcoming football season. He is also expected to visit Alabama on November 26 for the Iron Bowl, so it doesn't seem like he's in much of a rush to pick a school.

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