North Carolina added some kick to their football recruiting class on Nov. 26 by securing a verbal commitment from David Wooldridge, a three-year starter at punter and placekicker for Davie County. Wooldridge turned down scholarship offers from Duke and East Carolina to join the Tar Heels. N.C. State and Virginia were also showing interest.

"That's where he liked it the most and he's always been a Carolina fan," Davie County coach Doug Illing said. "I think he cherished the opportunity to be able to go to North Carolina and have an opportunity to be a major factor for them in winning an ACC championship."

Wooldridge could make an immediate impact in Chapel Hill next year, with senior placekicker Jeff Reed scheduled to graduate this spring. The 6-foot-3, 180-pounder has certainly had a major impact on his prep program, where he's handled all the kicking duties since his sophomore season.

But Wooldridge made his varsity debut as a freshman at which time Illing knew he had a special player on his hands.

"We had a good senior kicker that year who happened to be suspended for disciplinary reasons," Illing said. "David had come out and shown some interest in kicking. He was able to kick for the first three games that year as a freshman. He made all his extra points and was 3-for-4 on field goals. That's not bad for a 14-year-old kid."

Wooldridge enjoyed a strong senior season, converting 12 of 17 field-goal attempts, including a 50-yarder. He didn't miss an attempt from 40 yards or less. Wooldridge also converted 37 of 39 point-after kicks and sent 49 of 58 kickoffs into the end zone. As a punter, Wooldridge averaged 44.5 yards on 38 kicks.

"I'm not sure if they're (UNC) looking at him doing both, but he's capable of it," Illing said. "I think that's the thing that makes him so valuable. You give one scholarship for two positions."