Today 11:03am update

With the loss of ESPN 150 wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (Fort Valley, Ga./Peach County) and ESPN 300 wide receiver Ryan Jenkins (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter), Clemson was hoping to make a big push for another ESPN 150 wideout this weekend on an official visit.

But unfortunately for the Tigers, Marquez North (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek) is traveling to check out another school.

According to Ramondo North, Marquez’s father, the family is instead driving to Tennessee on Saturday for an unofficial visit, followed by an official to North Carolina on Jan. 18 and a possible official to Oregon on Jan. 25. While Clemson could still get the talented receiver on campus before he makes his decision, Ramondo North said Clemson certainly has some ground to make up.

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Jeremy Brevard/US Presswire
Marquez North canceled a scheduled visit to Clemson.
“North Carolina is in the driver’s seat, but Tennessee lost two receivers to the NFL draft so he could get some playing time,” North said. “Plus he would be playing against the best in the SEC as a freshman.”

As the family traveled to Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, North’s father detailed why the Volunteers are getting a chance to overtake the Tar Heels at the top.

“When he went to the game last fall it was electric and I loved that, but it was the law program at Tennessee opened his eyes big time,” North said. “He wants to be a lawyer, so seeing the dean and everything was important for him. Now we want to meet the new coaches and see if he can trust them. Lots of coaches tell him a lot of stuff, so we want to see if it all matches up.”

North Carolina is the front-runner for the No. 133 prospect in the country, and for multiple reasons.

“I do not want to speak for Marquez, but really UNC is in the driver’s seat because it's in-state, he knows he would be set for life with a degree from there, and he knows his grandparents and family can come see him play,” North said. “He has a great relationship with the coaches and everything that could be positive for UNC, they have.”

Marquez North has remained uncommitted throughout the recruiting cycle, and his father said his patience is justified.

“His decision is going to affect the rest of his life, so he wants to take the time to make sure it’s the right choice,” Ramondo North said.

insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncfre...g/on-the-trail/

LOL the law program at Tennessee? What in the world?

A) UNC has a better law program
B) Law school is at least 3/3.5 years down the road (assuming he took classes every summer)
C) That's something he should not even be thinking of right now.

Kiss of death, thanks.

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--- AlreadyHome wrote:

Today 11:03am update

With the loss of ESPN 150 wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (Fort Valley, Ga./Peach County) and ESPN 300 wide receiver Ryan Jenkins (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter), Clemson was hoping to make a big push for another ESPN 150 wideout this weekend on an official visit.

But unfortunately for the Tigers, Marquez North (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek) is traveling to check out another school.

According to Ramondo North, Marquez’s father, the family is instead driving to Tennessee on Saturday for an unofficial visit, followed by an official to North Carolina on Jan. 18 and a possible official to Oregon on Jan. 25. While Clemson could still get the talented receiver on campus before he makes his decision, Ramondo North said Clemson certainly has some ground to make up.

[+] Enlarge

Jeremy Brevard/US Presswire
Marquez North canceled a scheduled visit to Clemson.
“North Carolina is in the driver’s seat, but Tennessee lost two receivers to the NFL draft so he could get some playing time,” North said. “Plus he would be playing against the best in the SEC as a freshman.”

As the family traveled to Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, North’s father detailed why the Volunteers are getting a chance to overtake the Tar Heels at the top.

“When he went to the game last fall it was electric and I loved that, but it was the law program at Tennessee opened his eyes big time,” North said. “He wants to be a lawyer, so seeing the dean and everything was important for him. Now we want to meet the new coaches and see if he can trust them. Lots of coaches tell him a lot of stuff, so we want to see if it all matches up.”

North Carolina is the front-runner for the No. 133 prospect in the country, and for multiple reasons.

“I do not want to speak for Marquez, but really UNC is in the driver’s seat because it's in-state, he knows he would be set for life with a degree from there, and he knows his grandparents and family can come see him play,” North said. “He has a great relationship with the coaches and everything that could be positive for UNC, they have.”

Marquez North has remained uncommitted throughout the recruiting cycle, and his father said his patience is justified.

“His decision is going to affect the rest of his life, so he wants to take the time to make sure it’s the right choice,” Ramondo North said.

insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncfre...g/on-the-trail/

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If need be, I can show him around the law school and introduce him to Dean Boger!

During his official, Fedora needs to heavily feature UNC's great law program.

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--- SteelFalcon wrote:

During his official, Fedora needs to heavily feature UNC's great law program.

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Yes, that should seal the deal.

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--- AlreadyHome wrote:


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--- SteelFalcon wrote:

During his official, Fedora needs to heavily feature UNC's great law program.

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Yes, that should seal the deal.

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Should help knowing UNC plays up to 5 receivers at once & playing time is there to be earned.

-Close to family.
-Immediate playing time when earned.
-ACC football (with Pitt & Syracuse) improving. Easier path to BCS?
-UNC degree & UNC Law School.

Coach Fedora should be able to ensure North sees that UNC is his BEST option.

I can understand point A; however, going into college with a set career goal after his playing days is great. It is the best time to think about it all and consider all of the factors. If I am not mistaken, graduate programs, professional schools, etc are more readily available to their alums more so than individuals who did not graduate from their institution. So now is the best time for him to get all of this out of the way. A student athlete focused on not only his game but also is path to a career after sports is a plus.
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--- MDawg198 wrote:

LOL the law program at Tennessee? What in the world?

A) UNC has a better law program
B) Law school is at least 3/3.5 years down the road (assuming he took classes every summer)
C) That's something he should not even be thinking of right n

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I'm really excited for UNC football.I am excited for the fact that Larry Fedora has come in and turned this thing around so quickly and instilled so much hope for a program that was floundering.If LF can pull this off and sell the university to this young man who we all consider to be a game changer,help put us in contention for an ACC championship,my hats off to him. He has given dignity back to the university and things are looking up so much.Exciting stuff whether we get MN or not(I really hope so).I really thought BD was going to take us to the next level,now I'm positive LF will.Thanks to Larry Fedora and his staff for the leadership he's brought to Carolina and for making us all proud to be Tar Heels.

Preach it!

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--- truebluex4 wrote:

I'm really excited for UNC football.I am excited for the fact that Larry Fedora has come in and turned this thing around so quickly and instilled so much hope for a program that was floundering.If LF can pull this off and sell the university to this young man who we all consider to be a game changer,help put us in contention for an ACC championship,my hats off to him. He has given dignity back to the university and things are looking up so much.Exciting stuff whether we get MN or not(I really hope so).I really thought BD was going to take us to the next level,now I'm positive LF will.Thanks to Larry Fedora and his staff for the leadership he's brought to Carolina and for making us all proud to be Tar Heels.

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In a different thread (actually, seems like a lot of threads have explored it), the debate of whether the culture can change at Carolina to embrace big-time football was held.

I contend that culture most definitely can change, but that we really don't see it happening in front of us - we typically reflect back on the leaps and bounds, because hindsight is 20/20. What LF and his staff have done in the last year and are doing right now will be what we reflect back on in a few years as the real catalysts for change.

We can joke about Red Bull or gripe about the injury report policy, making a much bigger deal out of these things than ought to be made. But what really matters are the conversations he and his staff are having with players in team meetings, in the homes of recruits, in the gym and film rooms. That they're both encouraging the players and holding them accountable. That's what changes culture within a football program, and as it translates to the field, we'll see the larger culture shift occur.

For me personally, I believe that LF believes it's possible. He's made a believer out of me in him. Now, the most tenuous part: patience.

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--- tarheelphil89 wrote:

Preach it!

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--- truebluex4 wrote:

I'm really excited for UNC football.I am excited for the fact that Larry Fedora has come in and turned this thing around so quickly and instilled so much hope for a program that was floundering.If LF can pull this off and sell the university to this young man who we all consider to be a game changer,help put us in contention for an ACC championship,my hats off to him. He has given dignity back to the university and things are looking up so much.Exciting stuff whether we get MN or not(I really hope so).I really thought BD was going to take us to the next level,now I'm positive LF will.Thanks to Larry Fedora and his staff for the leadership he's brought to Carolina and for making us all proud to be Tar Heels.

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Rivals recruiting expert Mike Farrell tweeted this today:

I have a feeling the #Vols have the lead now heading into Marquez North's visit to #UNC next weekend.



Good news is we get last visit next week, still think we are the favorite.

Many graduate schools would often prefer to have students from other undergraduate universities actually. There are programs at UNC that will, under no circumstances, accept a student who attended UNC for undergrad. Also, I don't think UNC law (and yes I am a graduate) gives much preference for UNC undergrads. They do, however, give preference to NC students of course. The situation where it would pay off for him is if he graduated early/redshirted. He could likely have an easier time getting into UNC law with the football pull that he has.

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--- IndyTarheel wrote:


I can understand point A; however, going into college with a set career goal after his playing days is great. It is the best time to think about it all and consider all of the factors. If I am not mistaken, graduate programs, professional schools, etc are more readily available to their alums more so than individuals who did not graduate from their institution. So now is the best time for him to get all of this out of the way. A student athlete focused on not only his game but also is path to a career after sports is a plus.
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--- MDawg198 wrote:

LOL the law program at Tennessee? What in the world?

A) UNC has a better law program
B) Law school is at least 3/3.5 years down the road (assuming he took classes every summer)
C) That's something he should not even be thinking of right n

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--- HeelinBoone wrote:

Rivals recruiting expert Mike Farrell tweeted this today:

I have a feeling the #Vols have the lead now heading into Marquez North's visit to #UNC next weekend.



Good news is we get last visit next week, still think we are the favorite.

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We will close the deal.....

You helping Larry? Sorry couldn't help it.
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--- AlreadyHome wrote:



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--- HeelinBoone wrote:

Rivals recruiting expert Mike Farrell tweeted this today:

I have a feeling the #Vols have the lead now heading into Marquez North's visit to #UNC next weekend.



Good news is we get last visit next week, still think we are the favorite.

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We will close the deal.....

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Mike Ferrett has never said we led for anyone. Color me shocked reading that tweet!

if he's thinking about law school then he shouldn't be offered a scholly to play football anywhere...harvard has an exceptional law school and he doesn't even need a free ride.

go to carolina and win titles or shlep your way through undergrad at harvard and pay your way @ harvard law.

MossHeel knows that we lead for North, I suspect, and he is MONEY!!!

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--- MossHeel wrote:

Mike Ferrett has never said we led for anyone. Color me shocked reading that tweet!

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I agree. I honestly don't remember a time where he thought UNC led for any uncommitted recruit.

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--- NCU08 wrote:



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--- MossHeel wrote:

Mike Ferrett has never said we led for anyone. Color me shocked reading that tweet!

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I agree. I honestly don't remember a time where he thought UNC led for any uncommitted recruit.

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Well to be fair a month and a half ago or so I asked him who led for north and he said UNC. I'm not too worried though these things are often said right after a kid takes a visit somewhere. Signs just tend to favor UNC in the end.

ESPN is listing North at 6'3" 225 lbs. which would be awesome if he maintains his speed:
espn.go.com/college-sports/foo...8/marquez-north

I wish it was that simply. Just using guts, logic and based on what would be good for him even though it seems those are the same things that would drive a recruit away. Who knows, I enjoy the journey though.

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--- tarheelforever79 wrote:


You helping Larry? Sorry couldn't help it.
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--- AlreadyHome wrote:



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--- HeelinBoone wrote:

Rivals recruiting expert Mike Farrell tweeted this today:

I have a feeling the #Vols have the lead now heading into Marquez North's visit to #UNC next weekend.



Good news is we get last visit next week, still think we are the favorite.

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We will close the deal.....

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--- spacemt1 wrote:

ESPN is listing North at 6'3" 225 lbs. which would be awesome if he maintains his speed:
espn.go.com/college-sports/foo...8/marquez-north

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Wow! I hope he commits to us.......I lime Coach Fedora's chances.

Won't know for sure until he signs the dotted line on signing day. Speculation and anticipation are great however when you are dealing with recruiting kids verbal commitments really mean nothing. I would hope he would announce a decision before signing day but thn again i would take that with a grain of salt because recruits have been known to change their mind on the spur of the moment. Would love to see him in Carolina Blue for the Tar Heels as opposed to that vomit colored orange those vols wear up there in Knoxville.

Where are you getting this info? It is absurd to suggest that a UNC grad program would refuse to accept a student because they attended UNC undergrad. Yes, they generally do not place a preference on UNC undergrads, but it is not a limiting factor.

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--- MDawg198 wrote:

Many graduate schools would often prefer to have students from other undergraduate universities actually. There are programs at UNC that will, under no circumstances, accept a student who attended UNC for undergrad. Also, I don't think UNC law (and yes I am a graduate) gives much preference for UNC undergrads. They do, however, give preference to NC students of course. The situation where it would pay off for him is if he graduated early/redshirted. He could likely have an easier time getting into UNC law with the football pull that he has.

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--- IndyTarheel wrote:


I can understand point A; however, going into college with a set career goal after his playing days is great. It is the best time to think about it all and consider all of the factors. If I am not mistaken, graduate programs, professional schools, etc are more readily available to their alums more so than individuals who did not graduate from their institution. So now is the best time for him to get all of this out of the way. A student athlete focused on not only his game but also is path to a career after sports is a plus.
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--- MDawg198 wrote:

LOL the law program at Tennessee? What in the world?

A) UNC has a better law program
B) Law school is at least 3/3.5 years down the road (assuming he took classes every summer)
C) That's something he should not even be thinking of right n

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Regarding the law school comments, I think that many of these kids (and apparently, their parents) have no idea why they choose the school that they do, so when asked, they just make something up. If he is making his choice based on what law school he may be able to get into 3-4 years down the road, well, that is just too absurd to comment upon. I'm sure he is much more focused on which school will most help him get into the NFL.

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--- 2012heel wrote:

Where are you getting this info? It is absurd to suggest that a UNC grad program would refuse to accept a student because they attended UNC undergrad. Yes, they generally do not place a preference on UNC undergrads, but it is not a limiting factor.

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I can say as someone who has done his masters' work elsewhere after graduating from Carolina that my chances of going to graduate school at UNC after completing my undergrad work there were small, based on a criteria that puts an emphasis on bringing in new ideas and new perspectives to graduate programs. Graduate programs across curricula at Carolina have told me independently that they handicap UNC undergraduate candidates because "they are a known quantity," and "predictable in their classroom interactions" based on common experiences in their undergraduate work.

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--- NCU08 wrote:



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--- 2012heel wrote:

Where are you getting this info? It is absurd to suggest that a UNC grad program would refuse to accept a student because they attended UNC undergrad. Yes, they generally do not place a preference on UNC undergrads, but it is not a limiting factor.

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I can say as someone who has done his masters' work elsewhere after graduating from Carolina that my chances of going to graduate school at UNC after completing my undergrad work there were small, based on a criteria that puts an emphasis on bringing in new ideas and new perspectives to graduate programs. Graduate programs across curricula at Carolina have told me independently that they handicap UNC undergraduate candidates because "they are a known quantity," and "predictable in their classroom interactions" based on common experiences in their undergraduate work.

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NCU08 is correct, at least I was told the same thing as an undergraduate at UNC. However, the notion that North would go to Tennessee to play football to better his chances of being admitted into UNC Law School as a graduate is completely and utterly ridiculous.