Tar Heels Add Vince Wilson To Signing Class

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Vince Wilson, a 5-9, 190-pound running back from Daytona Beach, Fla., has signed a scholarship agreement to play football at the University of North Carolina. Wilson was ranked among the top 50 athletes in the country by Rivals.com.

"Vince has tremendous ability," said head coach John Bunting. "He has a great burst and vision and those are the qualities you look for in a running back. He can break tackles and is a physical runner. I was impressed with his toughness. It's exciting to add a player of his ability this late in the recruiting process and I look forward to coaching him this fall."

Wilson rushed for nearly 1,900 yards as a senior at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, the same high school that produced former Tar Heel basketball standout Vince Carter. He earned first-team all-state honors in the 5-A division, the highest classification in Florida, and was the offensive star of Mainland's 2003 5-A state championship team. The state title was the first ever for any school in Volusia County.

"Vince might be the best back in America when it comes to character, talent and effort," said Mainland high school coach John Moranto. "He works harder than any kid I've been around and he has the highest character. He's a great leader and role model that any community would want. He was tenacious in his academic work to become fully qualified. He's a real success story."

A two-time All-Central Florida honoree, Wilson rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times in his high school career. He is the cousin of former Florida State All-America Reinard Wilson.