Breaking Down the 2017 Recruiting Class

QB: None

RB: No. 7 APB Michael Carter, No. 37 RB Antwuan Branch

Carter is an early enrollee who should have a sizable impact early. Carter possess great speed and fantastic vision that will only develop further at the next level. Branch, who will join the team in the fall, brings the more physical running style. Carter and Branch will be a great 1-2 punch down the line, which may be as early as next season.

WR/TE: No. 53 WR J.T. Cauthen, No. 59 WR Tyler Smith, No. 163 WR Beau Corrales

Cauthen is an early enrollee, benefiting him immensely. He has good size, which allows him to go up over defenders, and he can also impact games with his after catch ability. Corrales is a possession receiver who boasts strong hands and blazing speed to go along with his 6'4" frame. He will arrive in Chapel Hill in the fall. Tyler Smith will not enroll until the spring semester next year, so he will receive a grey shirt. With how many receivers departed after the season, Cauthen and Corrales should make early impacts.

OL: No. 9 OG Jonah Melton, No. 41 OT Billy Ross, No. 72 OT Jordan Tucker, No. 41 Marcus McKethan, No. 11 C Brian Anderson

This was the focus of the 2017 class and rightfully so. Melton is a mauler who overpowers defensive lineman with his strength. He should have a massive impact with both offensive guard spots being up for grabs and teamed with the fact that he is already on campus. Ross is also a mauler, who does a great job at creating lanes in the run game. Ross will likely move inside to guard when he gets to campus in the fall. Tucker, at 6'6", is one of the biggest players in this class for the Heels. He displays good footwork on tape and anchors himself well against smaller, quicker defensive ends. Tucker will arrive in the fall. McKethan is another large pickup, as he stands 6'6" and is 330 lbs. He overpowers defensive lineman on film, pushing some five yards down the field, making him a huge weapon for the run game. McKethan will join Larry and crew in the fall. Anderson is a flexible option that has fantastic footwork. Anderson might not be the biggest guy on the field, but uses his lower body strength to clear the way in the running game. Anderson will be on campus in the fall.

DL: No. 12 WDE Jake Lawler, No. 18 DT Xach Gill, No. 42 DT Jordon Riley

This group has a huge advantage over every other position group, in that every recruit is already on campus. Lawler is a physical pass rusher who can use a mix of speed and physicality to get to the quarterback. He is also a flexible option who shifted inside at times and was effective in the snaps he saw there. Gill is another flexible option that does a great job of disengaging from blocks to make tackles in the backfield. Riley has good size at 6'6" 300 lbs. and is extremely quick off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to get in the backfield with ease.

LB: No. 31 ILB Malik Robinson, No. 55 OLB Jeremiah Gemmel

An area where the Heels return everyone from last year adds even more depth. Robinson has a nose for the football, which allows him to get into the backfield quickly and drop ball carriers to the turf. Robinson also shows he can cover out of his ILB spot. Gemmel is a hard hitter who takes great angles to get to the ball carrier. He keeps himself in front of the ball carrier, which keeps him from missing easy tackles. Both will arrive to Chapel Hill in the fall.

DB: No. 36 CB Tre Shaw, No. 54 S Caleb Rozar

The Heels lost half of the starters from last years secondary meaning both of these guys may see early playing time. Shaw is already in Chapel Hill, which is a huge plus for him. He is quick and has great closing speed allowing him to make plays on the ball. Shaw is also a strong tackler, especially for a corner. Rozar is a tall guy at 6'3" and can play either safety or corner. His speed allows him to attack the football, making him tough for quarterbacks to pick on. Rozar will be on campus in the fall.

ST: No. 12 K Noah Ruggles

The Heels lose Nick Weiler and now are tasked with finding his replacement. Ruggles may just happen to be that guy. Ruggles has one of the strongest legs in this class, connecting from 50+ multiple times on tape. Ruggles will start his journey in the fall.

ATH: No. 14 ATH C.J. Cotman, No. 69 ATH Dazz Newsome, No. 154 ATH Kayne Roberts

The Heels did a great job at landing flexible options in this class and all of these players can play either side of the ball. Cotman can play receiver on offense, where he is a speedy slot guy with reliable hands, and cornerback on defense, where he showed lockdown coverage skills and sensational takeaway ability. Newsome can play either receiver or safety, but is more than likely a safety. He has great ball skills and is also a strong tackler. Speed could make him a threat if he's at receiver. Roberts can play either running back or corner, but on tape he was more effective at running back. Roberts has solid speed, but sets himself apart with his ball carrier vision.