Two football players commit to UNC

By: By Bill Cole | JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: January 27, 2010

North Carolina started its final push toward national signing day by receiving two commitments Monday, including one from a player who was wavering.

Defensive lineman Kareem Martin (6-6, 240) of Roanoke Rapids High School and receiver prospect Reggie Wilkins (5-10, 160) of Shelby Crest are the latest to commit, building UNC's class to 15. The signing period will open Feb. 3.

SuperPrep magazine listed Martin as the No. 10 senior in the state in its postseason rankings, and his decision came down to UNC, Duke and Virginia Tech, said Coach Russell Weinstein of Roanoke Rapids. Penn State, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Clemson, N.C. State, East Carolina, Virginia and Louisville also made offers to Martin.

"I think he was really torn between the three schools," Weinstein said. "I think in the end it came down to where he felt like he was more at ease. And also I think Carolina's business school was a factor. He's an excellent student."

Martin had 163 tackles as a senior in helping Roanoke Rapids to a 9-4 record and the second round of the NCHSAA 2-A playoffs. He had 25 tackles for losses, four sacks and caused 10 fumbles. He has 4.7-second speed over 40 yards and was the Northern Carolina Conference defensive player of the year the last two seasons and the NCC's offensive and defensive lineman of the year last season.

When Weinstein became the Roanoke Rapids coach three seasons ago, Martin was 6-4 and 185 pounds, and Weinstein was going to make him a receiver.

"We used him on some scout-team defense because our numbers were low," Weinstein said. "He was making plays all the time at defensive end. One thing led to another, and he went to work in the weight room. He's turned into a pretty good player."

Wilkins committed to UNC late in the fall but had second thoughts after Coach Butch Davis accepted the commitment of a player with similar size and skills -- Brendon Felder from Pennsylvania. Wilkins then considered N.C. State.

Coach Roy Kirby of Crest did not return a message yesterday to discuss Wilkins' decision.

Wilkins, who has 4.4-second speed in the 40, is No. 23 in the state in SuperPrep's postseason rankings of seniors. He played quarterback at Crest but played receiver for the N.C. Shrine Bowl team.

bcole@wsjournal.com