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Evans’ teammates surround him as he announces his decision via t-shirt reveal. Courtesy Lee County Schools.

Editor’s Note: This story will be updated throughout the day

Lee County High School’s Desmond Evans told a packed gym of friends and family Friday that he plans to wear Carolina Blue on the gridiron next year, choosing Mack Brown’s Tar Heels over powerhouse programs Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.

Sporting sunglasses and eating a sucker, Evans made the announcement at a homecoming pep rally in Lee County’s gym, ahead of the Yellow Jackets’ home game tonight against Union Pines. At center court, Evans removed his Lee County hoodie to reveal a blue shirt sporting the words “Tar Heels.”

Evans, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound defender, is one of the most heralded football recruits in Sanford history. ESPN ranks him as the No. 2 prospect nationally, and he is considered the best 2020 player in North Carolina. Before his announcement, Coach Steve Burdeau announced Evans was selected to play in the 2020 Under Armour All American game in Florida on Jan. 2.

Read The Rant’s cover story on Desmond Evans from our September edition

For UNC, Evans is the highest-ranked recruit to commit perhaps since Ronald Curry in the late 1990s or Marvin Austin in 2007. He becomes the crown jewel of a recruiting class that already ranked among the best in the ACC and the Top 20 in the country.

The reaction on social media was instant from those who follow UNC and ACC Football. His future coach, Mack Brown, seemed thrilled, as did the rest of Tar Heel Nation.

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Evans receiving an All American jersey just prior to his announcement. Courtesy Lee County Schools.
Evans’ teammates surround him as he announces his decision via t-shirt reveal. Courtesy Lee County Schools.