Ryan Jones Commits

North Carolina's in-state momentum continued Friday as 4-star wide receiver Ryan Jones announced he will play for the Tar Heels.

Jones, the No. 21 player nationally at his position and the No. 4 overall prospect in North Carolina, bolsters a recruiting class for UNC that includes three of the top four players in the state.

At 6-2, 201, Jones, who attends Mallard Creek H.S. in Charlotte, NC, chose UNC over offers from Clemson, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Tennessee, N.C. State and many others.

Also in the class of 2017 for UNC is 4-star OG Jonah Melton from Mebane, NC. Melton is the No. 3 player nationally at his position and the No. 2 overall prospect from North Carolina.

Furthermore, just last week, 4-Star defensive end Jake Lawler committed to the Tar Heels. He's the No. 5 player nationally at his position and the No. 3 overall prospect in the state.

“It’s a great school, sports-wise and education-wise," Jones told Rivals.com's Adam Friedman. "They have a great basketball team and a rising football team. I’m an in-state guy and I grew up being a North Carolina fan. I love the coaches and everything about Carolina.”

Jones will know a lot of players in Chapel Hill and already has a good relationship with his position coach.

“It’s definitely good to know that coach Brewer always comes around here," he said. "They’re pretty tight with Mallard Creek. It’s nice to know some former Mallard Creek players are going to be there and some of the kids I played with from Ardrey Kell.”

UNC's class now comprises six players, including a fourth in-state talent in 3-star WR J.T. Cauthen, who is the No. 44 player nationally at his position and the No. 8 overall prospect in North Carolina.

Rounding out the class: 4-Star WR Tyler Smith, Powder Springs, GA, and 3-star RB Rasheed Martin, Jacksonville, FL.

- Adam Friedman contributed to this story

Here is a video of Ryan courtesy of our friends at The Wolfpacker.