Note: UNC signed 25 prospects in its football class of 2020, but 13 enrolled in January, so THI is reaching out to the other 12 to see how things are going as they prepare to enroll whenver the coronavirus shtiatuon begins to clear up.

Malik McGowan, a 6-foot-4, 335pound offensive lineman from Charlotte (NC) Catholic High School is coming off an impressive prep career which saw him win three straight state championships and signing his letter of intent to play football at North Carolina.

Like so many other kids, McGowan is learning to deal with the fact his class wont be able to finish off their high school days on campus.

The next step for the massive offensive lineman will be to arrive on campus to start his football career at UNC, whenever that might be.

Tar Heel Illustrated caught up with McGowan to discuss the changes in life since the pandemic and looking ahead to UNC:

THI: How have things been going with you and your family during the coronavirus shutdown, is everyone healthy and okay?

MCGOWAN: “Yeah, me and my family are doing ok were taking it day by day. My parents are still working and I’m still working hard to get ready for college.”

THI: How much working out are you able to do and what have you been focusing on?

MCGOWAN: “I run fur miles in the morning and at night and I’m still working with my OL trainer and I’m still meeting my speeding and agility trainer but outside on fields.”

THI: How often are you in contact with UNC coaches, and are they monitoring your progress or anything like that?

MCGOWAN: “I talk to UNC once every week before the coronavirus but now probably like one every two or three weeks.”

THI: What are your height and weight now, and what weight do you plan on being when you eventually arrive in Chapel Hill?

MCGOWAN: “I’m 6-foot-4, I weigh 335 and my goal weight is 315.”

THI: The players that don't enroll in January usually do so in June for summer school, but on-campus classes for the summer have been cancelled, so are you going to enroll online and at least get your course work started?

MCGOWAN: “They haven’t discussed this with me yet, but l think I probably will do online course classes.”

THI: If things return to normal this summer, do you have any special plans or things you want to do before enrolling at UNC?

MCGOWAN: “Go on vacation with friends and family.”