One of the key pieces to head coach Mack Brown’s incredible recruiting class slated to arrive prior to the 2021 season, four-star defensive end Keeshawn Silver, revealed Monday that he will also play basketball for the Tar Heels.

Silver shared a graphic on his Twitter account before saying to Tar Heel Illustrated that he has been told he’ll be given a chance to be in both programs.

Silver will have a chance to earn a walk-on spot for head coach Roy Williams, as the 6-foot-5, 255 pound defensive lineman averaged 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds last season for Rocky Mount High School.

If he indeed makes both programs when he arrives into Chapel Hill, Silver will become the first athlete to play both sports at UNC since Greg Little was on both teams during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Other notable former stars for both the football and basketball programs in UNC’s history are Julius Peppers (1999-2001), Ronald Curry (1999-2001) and Jesse Holley (2003-2005).

According to 24/7 Sports, Silver is the fourth-ranked strong-side defensive end in the country and the No. 29 overall player regardless of position.

Photo via Keeshawn Silver from Twitter.

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.

Related Stories
‹
This Week in UNC Sports: November 2-8, 2026
Election? What election? A busy fall for Tar Heel sports rolls on as several teams begin ACC Tournament play this week.
On Air Today: Jones Angell (Not In Paris) on UNC Football and Men's Basketball
Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell joins Aaron to discuss UNC football and men's basketball, ahead of two big games in the next four days.
The Morning News: Midterm Approaching, Carrboro Fire, Pittsboro vs. Google Fiber
In today's news: dozens of firefighters battle a blaze in Carrboro, and Pittsboro halts Google Fiber work for the second time this month.
On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill's Michael Koh on UNC Football and Men's Basketball, October 19, 2026
The Hill's Michael Koh discusses a busy weekend in sports, from UNC football's win over Duke to the latest basketball exhibition.
On Air Today: Jones Angell, Previewing UNC-Duke Football (and UNC-Indiana Basketball)
Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell joins Aaron to preview Saturday's battle for the Victory Bell, with UNC football taking on Duke.
The Morning News: Orange County Property Revaluation, ICE Arrest, UNC Basketball
In today's news: Orange County gets an audit on last year's property revaluation, and UNC basketball gets a big exhibition win.
On Air Today: Previewing UNC-Pitt (and UNC Basketball) with Jones Angell
Jones Angell joins Aaron to preview Saturday's Tar Heel football game at Pitt - as well as Friday's preseason basketball exhibition.
The Morning News: Hedgepeth Trial, Gas Tax, Google Fiber, and UNC-Pitt
In today's news: the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial continues, and UNC football gears up to face no. 25 Pitt.
Chansky's Notebook: Anticipated Weekend
UNC fans have quite the trilogy of games coming up this weekend. Art Chansky will be watching all three with lots of anticipation.
Are They Eligible? Keeping Up with UNC's Rece Verhoff, Cameron Fens and Others
Student-athletes across the country are currently embroiled in an eligibility fight against the NCAA. The athletes, who graduated high school in 2022, are seeking a fifth year of eligibility under the NCAA’s new rules. However, the NCAA is countering that the rule only applies to students currently in college from the 2026-27 academic year forward. […]
›