WR David Noel Commits to the Heels

The Tar Heels added a tall talent to their recruiting class on Nov. 19 when two-sport standout David Noel of Durham gave his verbal commitment to the coaching staff. Noel, a 6-foot-5, 208-pound wide receiver at Southern Durham High School, is also a star on the basketball team. He averaged 12 points a game as a small forward last season and hopes to walk on the North Carolina basketball squad.

Because he has concentrated on basketball in the past, Noel wasn't well known among recruiting analysts until this season despite averaging 15 yards per catch and scoring six touchdowns as a junior. But Noel couldn't be ignored this year, piling up 30 catches for 909 yards and 16 touchdowns prior to Southern Durham's second-round state 3-A playoff game on Nov. 23. His performance had helped Southern Durham to an 11-1 record.

Duke, East Carolina, Virginia and Wake Forest also offered scholarships to Noel.

"I just really liked North Carolina," Noel said. "I see it as a program on the rise. There are a lot of positive things going on there. It's close to home for me and their coach should be there for a long time."

For the full story on Noel, pick up the upcoming issue of Carolina Blue newspaper, which hits newsstands on Nov. 27. You may also subscribe online or call 1-888-TAR-HEEL to subscribe to Carolina Blue.