Payton Wilson On Why He Chose The Tar Heels
HILLSBOROUGH, NC – Payton Wilson, a 4-star linebacker from Orange County High School in Hillsborough, NC, committed to UNC on Monday afternoon.
Here is the transcript of his interview that followed his commitment:
On how much this day means to him
It means a lot, but it’s relieving. I’m going to miss the recruiting process, but it was time to end it and take the next step in my life.
On the opportunity to play early
Cayson Collins, No. 23, he’s going to be leaving as I come in and I just saw that as an opportunity. There’s going to be guys there fighting but I feel like I have a good chance and am ready to compete for it.
On having to pick from the national champions, Ohio State and programs like that
It’s been a tough selection, but I just prayed on it and I felt like God led my heart here.
On how wrestling skills translate to football as far as balance and strength
Using my hands to get off blocks and also coordination it’s helped a lot.
On the major factor for Carolina
If I wasn’t playing sports I’d want to go to school there, and that was a big thing for me. And I really like JP (defensive coordinator John Papuchis), JP was my favorite coach throughout the recruiting process.
On what he liked most about JP
I feel like he was in it for me, was invested in me and I feel like he’s going to develop me to be the best that I can be.
On new LB coach Mike Ekeler
They say he’s a technician and his goal in life isn’t to be a head coach, he loves being a linebacker coach and I really like that and he’s there to make me better than what I think I can be.
On the toughest part about the recruiting process
When you’re in school and you’re getting all these texts and stuff and during lunch you’re on the phone all the time. It was just stressful having to reply to a lot of people but it was also a blessing at the same time.
On the other school it came down to
Honestly, it was between UNC and Virginia Tech. I like Bud Foster, too, but UNC was by far my choice.
On if staying close to hoe (25 minutes from UNC) was important
It was. I enjoy playing at home, but I’m not going to make a life decision off of 3 hours or Clemson four hours away. I’m not going to make a life decision off a quick road trip.
On if he felt pressure from people wanting him to stay in North Carolina
Yeah, but it wasn’t a deciding factor.
On if he’s going to start recruiting for the 2018 class
Yes, I’m going to just because they’re going to be my teammates and I want them to be the best. I’m going to try to get some of the best guys in North Carolina to join me.
On when he made his decision
I’ve always had a feel for UNC, I really liked it. But, probably two weeks ago. Me and my family sat down and we just decided it was the best for me.
On the players in the class he wants to recruit
Jordyn Adams, Dax Hollifield, there’s a lot. I’m in touch with a lot of guys on Twitter, so I’ll be reaching out to a lot of them.
On that Clemson and Virginia Tech do well recruiting North Carolina and the significance of him staying instate
I feel like it’s significant because you see all of these North Carolina guys leaving North Carolina when we have a chance to stay instate and make UNC a national championship team. When I see it, it’s kind of disappointing. I’m going to try to get them to stay in North Carolina.
* Thank you to Deana King for covering the press conference
Here is the video of Payton Wilson announcing he will play at UNC.
Here is his post-announcement interview.