Army Bowl: Auburn, UF, & UGA chasing UNC for Rivals100 OL William Barnes

Rivals100 offensive lineman William Barnes is one of the best uncommitted prospects at the Army All-American Bowl. The Apopka, Fla star is planning out the final stretch of his recruitment but one team seems to have a leg up on the competition.

IN HIS OWN WORDS…

“Recruiting is going great,” Barnes said. “I’m still in contact with UNC, Florida, Georgia, and Auburn. I’ve got my UNC official visit on January 12th. They’re a great school. They didn’t have the season they wanted to last year but there is the educational side. There is great stuff they have going on for the players and I think it’s really good. Coach Kap and I text every day just checking on each other. I texted him the other day asking how his New Year’s Eve was so we keep in really good contact.

“Coach Kap is my best coaching relationship and UNC has all the qualities that I need right now,” he said. “I talk to Jordyn Adams a little bit. He’s out here and he’s committed to UNC. I know his dad pretty well too and he’s a good coach for UNC.

“The only other official visit that I have locked in is Auburn on February 2nd,” he said. “I watched their game and how physical they were. They may not have gotten the win they wanted but to make it that far was great. Coach Hand is telling me that I have a chance to play my first year there and that I would have to work for it.

“My relationships with the new Florida coaches are great,” said Barnes. “I talked to coach Hevesy a few times. They’re all good guys. My family and I are going to discuss going there for a visit.

“Georgia is a great school and a great program,” he said. “Talking to coach Pittman a little bit. He seems like a great guy. The win that they had in the semifinal and the way they didn’t give up shows what kind of potential they have for the next few years.

RIVALS’ REACTION…

Barnes was pretty clear about where North Carolina stands with him right now. The Tar Heels seem like the unquestioned leader in his recruitment because of his fit in the program and relationship with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic. Florida and their new staff could make a move for Barnes but everything is still in flux with them. Auburn getting the last official visit is big for the Tigers and they will need to make up some ground in order to land Barnes’ signature on Signing Day in February.