ND out, UNC in for four-star LB

Four-star linebacker Derek Nicholson has dropped Notre Dame and picked up North Carolina.

Nicholson, who is the state of North Carolina’s top-ranked defensive player, was scheduled to visit Notre Dame on Jan. 21, but that changed when the Fighting Irish fired coach Tyrone Willingham.

“My family and I just didn’t think that is a good situation at Notre Dame right now, and I liked what North Carolina has been doing, so I’m going to go check them out,” Nicholson said. “North Carolina has won some big games and the coaches have been very good. Notre Dame’s situation was disappointing, but I’m moving on.”

Nicholson will visit Chapel Hill this weekend to see what the Tar Heels have to offer. Before going to UNC, Nicholson will chat with Tennessee coaches at his Mt. Tabor high school.

“They have the (SEC) Championship game coming up, so they are going to stop by and talk to me before I go to North Carolina,” Nicholson said.

Florida State, Miami, and Virginia Tech have all set up in home visits for next week.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder has made an official visit to Virginia Tech and will be at Florida State Jan. 28.

“I don’t really have anyone in front right now,” Nicholson said.