Gatewood football player Evan Bennett has made his college decision. The rising senior announced via his personal Twitter Monday that he committed to North Carolina.
Bennett, who plays linebacker and running back for the Gators, said he’s excited to be a Tarheel.
“When I arrived in Chapel Hill, I instantly knew it was going to be my future home,” Bennett said. “I’ve lived in multiple states around the country … and nothing even slightly compares to North Carolina and the relationships I was building.”
Bennett initially earned an offer from North Carolina in November, although he also tweeted on Monday that Liberty University extended him a scholarship opportunity.
However, Bennett already knew that he wanted to be a Tarheel, especially after developing a relationship with co-defensive coordinator/ linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen.
“I went into his (Thigpen’s) office with my father and my brother, Noah,” Bennett said in December. “He starts pointing out these pictures on his walls and talking about the past athletes that he’s coached, what they were made of, and their drive, talent and abilities to make plays. Plus, understand the information when it’s given to them. He told me I had an offer. I said, ‘I’m sorry?’ He replied by saying he wanted me to come and play linebacker for him at the University of North Carolina.”
Bennett wanted to show the Tarheels’ staff his loyalty and wanted them to secure his commitment as soon as possible, which is what led to his announcement on Monday.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Gatewood linebacker and running back is the first commit in North Carolina’s 2024 recruiting haul. He’s currently a junior for the Gators.
Bennett has played under Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff for the last three years.
“I don’t know where to start,” Ratliff said in December. “First of all, he’s a great student in the classroom. He’s a National Honor Society member. Second, he’s a great player and teammate. He was a big part of that state championship team a couple of years ago.
“Evan’s grown so much since and is the definition of a true leader in the classroom, weight room, in practice and on the field,” Ratliff added. “We are very proud and fortunate to have him. The staff at North Carolina recognized and offered a great player.”
During his junior campaign, Bennett earned a GIAA Class AA All-State selection while playing as a linebacker, running back and wide receiver for the Gators. He totaled 100-plus tackles, scored 11 TDs and racked up over 800 all-purpose yards in 2022.
Bennett is rated as a three-star prospect, according to Rivals.com, a recruiting service for high school prospects. On3 and 247Sports don’t have him rated yet.
He plans to major in nursing and follow in the footsteps of his father, who is an ER doctor.
“It’s been a passion of mine and I look up to my dad. Business is also an option,” Bennett said. “There are so many options at UNC. Anything I chose, I couldn’t go wrong.”