Three-star TE switches commitment

Sean Fitzpatrick committed to Maryland back in February and the Terrapin staff has been excited to get him on campus in 2010.

Now instead of coaching Fitzpatrick, they'll be coaching against him. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound tight end from Pittsford (N.Y.) Mendon is no longer bound for College Park. Instead, he's heading to Chapel Hill after switching over to the Tar Heels.

"I committed to North Carolina tonight," Fitzpatrick confirmed late Thursday evening in an interview with Rivals.com. "I've kind of had it in my mind that UNC is the right place for me for about two weeks or so. I talked with my coach and my family about it and I prayed about it a lot. It was a tough decision so I factored all that in.

"It's just a great location. They team is on the rise. I know coach (Butch) Davis has dramatically moved the ball from where it was to where it is now and where it's going. It's just all going up from here. The facilities are great. The tight ends coach, coach (Allen) Mogridge is a great great guy."

Fitpatrick said unlike his previous commitment to Maryland, this decision "completely ends the process." He said he has already informed the Maryland coaches of his decision. It was a tough pill for the staff to swallow, but they're moving on.

"Obviously they were disappointed and they wished it could have gone a different way, but it's what's best for me," he explained.

Fitzpatrick said he will try to schedule his official visit to North Carolina for the weekend of their game against East Carolina.

The rising senior is ranked the No. 30 tight end in the nation and the No. 3 overall prospect in New York's Class of 2010, according to Rivals.com.