Donte Burton Commits

Donte Burton still has 19 more months before he can sign a NSD, but he didn’t want to prolong the recruiting process any longer, as the cornerback from Georgia has committed tom play at North Carolina, sources close to the situation confirmed.

The Central Gwinnett (GA) High School star attended the Freak Show in June and had a terrific time. He was impressed by everything on that visit, and it stood out as he processed his other options.

"It was great,” he told THI. “I enjoyed what took place at the freak show, I got tons of quality reps."

Burton, who is 5-11 and 173 ponds, quickly developed a strong relationship with Carolina’s staff. There are other reasons he chose the Heels, as well.

"Coaches were great, they made me feel at home,” he said. “They focus strongly on academics.

I love the competition they play in the ACC, and the proximity of home is another good thing about UNC.”

Burton has also been offered by Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest, among others, but programs such as Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia are showing regular interest.

With two years to go before he arrives in Chapel Hill, Burton knows he has plenty of work to do, and that process is an every-day thing. So is getting ready for his junior season. Oh, and no more recruiting, he says.

"I want to get bigger, stronger and faster this off-season while shutting things down recruitment wise for the summer,” he said.

Defensive backs coach Charlton Warren, who is Burton's primary recruiter, has already expressed to Burton insight on where the staff sees him playing in the future.

"I play outside right now, but may be asked to show my versatility and play a more combo position," Burton said.

Burton camped this summer at Alabama and Georgia, and he had good experiences both places, but in the end, it was the Carolina blue beating out, in his words, Missouri, Nebraska an Vanderbilt.

Burton is UNC's first commitment for the class of 2018.