Commitment breakdown: Rivals250 LB Malaki Hamrick chooses North Carolina
Malaki Hamrick's recruitment started off fairly quietly but offers rolled in during an impressive sophomore year. Playing defensive end and outside linebacker at Shelbym N.C., Hamrick had plenty of opportunities to show off his skills against some of the best players in North Carolina.
If he were allowed to take visits in the last year, Hamrick would have taken some trips to schools like Ohio State, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Notre Dame, North Carolina, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and various other locations. Instead, he had to settle for virtual trips and getting to know coaches over the phone.
Hamrick eventually narrowed down his top options to App State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Penn State. He had planned on committing on April 29th, his birthday but moved up he decision date to Friday. Hamrick chose to stay home and commit to North Carolina.
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CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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WHAT THE TAR HEELS ARE GETTING
Hamrick is an explosive edge rusher that has a big frame North Carolina is going to be able to build on. He does a good job using his hands to disengage from would-be blockers and shows good balance and technique. Hamrick can also match up well with tight ends in coverage because he is a tall, long prospect that is athletic enough to play in space. Expect Hamrick to get on the field in a number of pass rushing situations early in his career to either put his hand in the ground and come right off the edge or to stand up and create mismatches in coverage.
WHY IT'S BIG FOR NORTH CAROLINA
Hamrick is a huge pickup for North Carolina, who did a great job reinforcing the defensive front seven in the previous recruiting class but they didn't get anybody like Hamrick. He's somebody that is going to add a lot of versatility to that front seven because he is able to play on the line but also drop into coverage. A true pass rusher for the Tar Heels is something they desperately needed and look for him to blossom in this role as the years go on.