National Signing Day 2017: Preferred walk-on kicker Cooper Graham signs with North Carolina

Three-star kicker Cooper Graham has accepted an invitation from the Heels as a preferred walk on. He announced his commitment to UNC last night.

Graham, a Bradenton, Florida native, has remained focused on North Carolina for months, calling it his “dream school.” He visited Clemson and Chapel Hill, picking up offers from Army, Elon, and Wofford along the way. He also attended camp with the Tar Heels over the summer.

The five-foot-eleven, 180-pound kicker is considered one of the best in the nation, according to Chris Sailer Kicking. He is currently ranked as the no. 9 kicker in the class of 2017, and he looks strong on kickoffs and punting as well.

UNC had one scholarship available for a kicker but the offer ultimately went to Noah Ruggles instead. As a preferred walk on, Graham could always receive an offer in time, but he will have to fight for playing time. Now that Nick Weiler is graduating, the Tar Heels are going to need of a new kicker. Graham and Ruggles will have to compete against juniors Connor Albrecht, Tolson Jeffrey, and Freeman Jones.