Another week, another UNC football player receiving a preseason honor. This time it’s Jahvaree Ritzie, the freshman defensive end from Kernersville, N.C. who signed with Carolina as a four-star recruit. 247 Sports named Ritzie to its preseason true freshman All-American team Friday.

When he committed to head coach Mack Brown and the Tar Heels, Ritzie ranked as the No. 22 defensive lineman and No. 133 overall player in the country, as well as the No. 8 player in North Carolina.

“Ritzie has continued to make waves throughout his time in Chapel Hill as a potential early impact contributor for the Tar Heels,” 247 Sports said in their release, also adding that five-star freshman defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver will be a player to watch.

During Ritzie’s recruitment, 247’s National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman described Ritzie as “physical at the point of attack, plays low and with leverage and strikes at his blocker when bull-rushing,” while also projecting him as a multi-year starter who could play in the NFL.

Ritzie is one of three ACC players to make the true freshman All-American team, along with safety Benjamin Perry of Louisville and offensive lineman Marcus Tate of Clemson. You can view the full team here.

Ritzie and the Tar Heels will kick off their season Friday, September 3 at 6 p.m. against Virginia Tech. You can listen to that game on 97.9 FM or 1360 AM.

 

Featured image via 247 Sports


Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.