4/17/2018 football Edit

UNC First Big Offer For Excited Charlotte DB

Mario Love's offer sheet isn't big yet, but it does include UNC, and he's excited about learning more about the Heels. (Rivals.com)

Dolphus Pearson III

Tar Heel Illustrated

Charlotte (NC) Hough freshman defensive back Mario Love Jr helped lead the Huskies to an 11-win season en route to receiving MaxPreps 2nd Team Freshman All-American honors.

The 5-9, 165 pounder recorded 30 tackles, 9 pass deflections, and one interception during his freshman campaign.

Love's recruiting is just starting to take off, which includes recent increased contact with North Carolina, which was the first program to extend the offer to the promising young prospect.

"I've been in contact with Coach (Tommy) Thigpen,” Love told THI. “He told me that the staff watched tape on me and believe that I'm one of the top players in my class. They like the way I cover, compete and finish plays.”

Love has also been offered by UT-Chattanooga. However, the freshman standout says he has several visits coming up from some fellow ACC programs.

"I'm going to Duke, NC State, and Clemson very soon,” he said. “I also have trips scheduled to Penn State and Tennessee.”

Love attended a football camp at UNC as a 7th grader, however, he says now he'll be back for summer camp in June as well as unofficial visits.

"I don't have an exact date set yet, but I'm going to call and schedule one soon,” he said. “I hear they are getting a new indoor facility so I would like to see that as well.”

With spring wrapping up and summer approaching, Love has some specific things in mind he wants to learn about UNC the next time he’s in Chapel Hill.

"I would like to get to know the coaching staff and ask questions about they like their corners to play,” he said. “I also would like to meet some of the players and tour the entire campus."