Staying home: North Carolina earns commitment from local 2023 pass rusher

Oct 2, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown reacts after the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina picked up a big commitment from 3-star EDGE Tyler Thompson on Wednesday afternoon.

Thompson is a Cary, North Carolina, native. The opportunity to play college football close to home was a surely big part of his decision.

Here’s Thompson’s announcement:

“All the hard work, blood, sweat and tears has brought me to this day,” Thompson wrote in-part. “I would be no where without my teammates and coaches pushing me everyday in practice to become the best version of me. I thank every coach that has given me the opportunity to continue my career but with that being said, I will continue my athletic and academic career at the The University of North Carolina.”

Thompson is the No. 54 EDGE in the country, per 247Sports Composite rankings. He’s also the No. 21 player from the state of North Carolina in this cycle.

He picked the Tar Heels over offers from programs like Michigan, Minnesota and Washington. He took an official visit to Ann Arbor last month.

North Carolina is now up to 9 commitments in the class of 2023. Thompson is the second North Carolina native to join this class, along with 4-star QB Tad Hudson.

This class ranks No. 39 nationally, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.