UNC landed another top in-state football recruit on Friday with a verbal commitment from Ryan Jones.

Jones is a four-star wide receiver, according to most recruiting outlets.

The Mallard Creek product is the fifth recruit to commit to UNC in the 2017 graduating class, all of whom are rated as four-star products.

Jones is joining Eastern Alamance offensive lineman Jonah Melton, South Mecklenburg defensive end Jake Lawler, Cuthbertson wide receiver J.T. Cauthen and wide receiver Tyler Smith in the 2017 class. Smith, out of Powder Springs, Georgia, is the only member of the class not from North Carolina.

UNC got the commitment from Jones just two days after the 2016 class signed letters of intent to play for Carolina on National Signing Day.

In-state recruiting has been an area that Carolina head coach Larry Fedora has said was going to be a focus for the Tar Heel coaching staff.

According to 247 Sports rankings, the top 13 players in the 2016 class from North Carolina all signed with schools outside of the state.

UNC has done well recruiting other areas, but it has been clear the Tar Heel state was a point of emphasis for Fedora. And it looks like the 2017 class is off to a good start with four of the top eight North Carolina prospects pledged to UNC.

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