Earlier this week, 3✮ S Julien Horton, the Tar Heels final target at position in this class, announced that was reopening his recruitment following his official visit to Chapel Hill. On Thursday, the flip was officially completed, giving the team a much needed addition in the safety.
Horton, the No. 78 safety in the class according to 247Sports Composite player rankings, announced his commitment to UNC shortly after 10:00 AM on Thursday morning via a social media post.
Horton is getting prepared for his senior season at Bel Air High School in Bel Air, MD following a solid junior season. He finished the season with 28 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, one interception, three pass deflections and one forced fumble while helping lead his team to the second round of the MPSSAA 3A state playoffs.
Horton is a promising addition to the Tar Heels safety room that has tremendous upside. His closing speed allows him to make plays on the football and his ball skills are very good. He did have a ton of tackles, but he looks good going downhill and he is a very strong tackler. Getting more involved in the run game will be important if he is going to play a big role with the Tar Heels, especially if the defensive line continues to struggle to contain the run the way they have the last few seasons. It might take some time when he first gets to campus but he has the potential to be a contributor in the secondary for Charlton Warren and company.
With his commitment, the Tar Heels class now sits 41st in the overall class rankings from 247Sports and 10th in the ACC.