The Tar Heels entered Sunday still looking for their first commitment from the transfer portal. Now, as we sit here this evening, the Tar Heels have landed two portal commitments, both important additions at positions of need. Versatile offensive lineman Willie Lampkin was a big addition for the offensive line, but the second pickup of the day turned out to be an even bigger one.
As first reported by Inside Carolina, the Tar Heels have landed the transfer commitment of East Tennessee State transfer Alijah Huzzie. He commits to the team just one week after he took an official visit to Chapel Hill as part of the initial round of transfer visits.
Huzzie will come to Carolina with two years of eligibility remaining after a nice start to his career at East Tennessee State. Back in the spring of 2021, he took over a starting role for the Buccaneers, starting all six games in the COVID shortened season. He landed All-SoCon second team honors and was named to the HERO Sports All-American Freshman team. He finished the season with 42 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions and five pass breakups.
In the fall of 2021, Huzzie once again earned second team all-conference honors and was named to the HERO Sports All-Freshman team after another strong season. In his thirteen starts for the team, he racked up 76 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, eight pass deflections and two forced fumbles.
While his first two seasons were pretty successful, this season was easily Huzzie’s best. He finished with 59 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 22 pass deflections and allowed a 38.9 quarterback rating when thrown at this season. As a result, he was named an first All-SoCon member and HERO Sports FCS All-American.
This is a huge get for the Tar Heels at a position of need. The cornerback room has been absolutely destroyed by transfers, as the team has lost four scholarship players, including two of their three starters. The team should continue to look for more help in that defensive backfield, but the push should now be to find some help along the defensive front and at receiver.
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