Tar Heels add Ohio RB

North Carolina added more depth to the backfield by reaching out of state to Warren (Ohio) John F. Kennedy for running back Anthony Elzy. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder chose the Tar Heels over offers from Maryland, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Miami (Ohio), Marshall, Bowling Green and Akron.

"As soon as I got out of football camp yesterday morning at 10AM, I told the coaches I was committing," he said. "They were relieved and excited as any coach would be who gets a player they want. They told me to get ready to become a Tar Heel and they're looking forward to me coming down next summer."

Did anything stand out about North Carolina to the No. 31 player in Ohio?

"First what stuck out about them was the atmosphere, then the academic success they have had and finally the relationships with their coaches," he said. "They are a very academically sound school and it's not about sports first, it's school first and then sports. They really stress good grades."

Elzy is thankful to have a decision behind him.

"I'm kind of glad it's out of the way and now I can focus on my last year in high school. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm glad it's over with," he said. "This year I'm looking to be a team leader and hopefully we can come out successful and go to the playoffs. I'm going to play with a lot of desire this season."

The 20th commitment for North Carolina hasn't scheduled an official visit yet, but he does plan to keep an eye on his new team this season.

"I'm going to watch their style and how they play, I also want to see how they coach and the talent Carolina has."

Elzy had a final word to say to North Carolina fans.

"I'm looking forward to becoming a Tar Heel and I hope I can make it an exciting experience for the fans and myself," he said. "I hope they enjoy me coming in and I know I'll enjoy being there."

The all-conference, all-county and all-state running back rushed for 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior.