Dakota's Notebook: Can UNC Catch NC State on the Recruiting Trail?

Note: Art Chansky is gone for a few days, so digital content manager Dakota Moyer will be contributing for the Sports Notebook in his absence.

(AP Photo/ Gerry Broome)

Is Carolina in danger of being passed on the recruiting trail by NC State?

This is Dakota, with Monday’s Sports Notebook.

A few years ago, it seemed like UNC was destined to rise to the upper echelon of the ACC – while NC State was floundering to get its act together.

But now, the tables have turned. While it’s still early in the recruiting process, the Wolfpack already have four four-star recruits locked down, all of whom are from North Carolina.

NC State also has 10 of the top 30 prospects within North Carolina committed. UNC has zero.

The headliner of NC State’s class is Savion Jackson, a defensive end from Clayton, currently ranked as the 80^th overall prospect in the class. He had offers from bigger schools like Alabama, Auburn and Clemson, but chose to stay home and commit to the Wolfpack.

The other three blue chip recruits, C.J. Clark, Joshua Harris and Shyheim Battle, all had Carolina offers before committing to NC State.

NC State also has the benefit of having a great quarterback and talented roster heading into 2018. Last year, the Wolfpack won nine games and Bradley Chubb was the fifth overall pick in the draft. Those are excellent bargaining chips when hitting the recruiting trail.

To be fair, UNC might just be off to a slow start this year. The Tar Heels ended last year’s class on a high note, securing the commitment from highly-ranked offensive tackle William Barnes, who chose Carolina over schools like Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State. He should quickly be a starter along the offensive line.

Last year’s class was also ranked twenty-third overall in the country. It was a true testament to Larry Fedora’s ability to recruit, as the staff had to work against the terrible season they just had on the field.

Only time will tell if UNC can beat NC State on the recruiting trail. However, the November 24 matchup between the two teams looms large in determining which school can gain momentum for local recruits.