An in-state talent will suit up for the Tar Heels in 2023. Edge rusher Rico Walker, rated as a four-star prospect by 247 Sports, committed to Mack Brown and Carolina Monday afternoon. Walker chose the Tar Heels over Maryland, Tennessee, Auburn and Florida.

Walker stars for Hickory High School, where he will play out his senior season before joining UNC next year. He is ranked as the No. 3 player in North Carolina and No. 174 overall in the country.

Brian Dohn, national recruiting analyst for 247 Sports, says Walker “plays with energy and effort,” and “understands assignments and is capable of setting [the] edge.”

Walker is the 15th player in the class of 2023 to commit to Carolina and the sixth four-star prospect. His commitment moves UNC’s class up to No. 20 in the country for 2023, leapfrogging West Virginia, Florida, Washington and Oregon.

 

Featured image via Inside Carolina/Jim Hawkins

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