Carter's Reynolds commits to UNC

Carter High School offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds became the second area player to commit to North Carolina when he informed coaches on Saturday that he was heading to Chapel Hill. Thompson, a quarterback at Maryville High School, committed to UNC in August.

"It's going to be weird being on the same team," Reynolds said of his one time Region 3-4A rival. "That will be cool to know somebody from around here. If you win that many games, I'm sure he's a class act guy and hard worker. He's a great athlete."

Thompson is 43-1 as a starter and recently won his second state championship with the Rebels. Reynolds didn't fare so well this season. The 6-foot-7, 255-pounder is just fully recovered from a knee injury suffered against Central on Sept. 17.

"It scared me to death. I was nervous as anything until I got to the doctor and he said I could get back on it and nothing was torn," Reynolds said of the injury that cost him two games. "After that, I felt better, but I was still mad. Some guy took a cheap shot and clipped me. I watched it on film 20 times."

Reynolds said doctors determined that he nearly tore both his ACL and MCL. Instead, Reynolds was able to put the finishing touches on a season that would warrant a UNC football scholarship.

"The main thing was hanging out with the linemen," Reynolds said when asked why he committed to North Carolina. "You have to like who you're playing next to."

Reynolds said the final decision between UNC and Virginia Tech was extremely close. Reynolds never had the option of playing at UT where his uncle, Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, and dad, Art Reynolds were linebackers. The Vols evaluated Garrett but never offered him a scholarship.

"I didn't expect them to do much," Reynolds said. "It doesn't bother me. I'd rather get out of Knoxville anyway. I've been here forever. I'd like to get on my own and grow up a little bit."

Reynolds became smitten by Tar Heel basketball on his official visit Dec. 4 as UNC played host to Kentucky.

"I really like it but I had to come home and think about it a bit," Reynolds said. "I didn't want to rush into anything. I just felt comfortable there. I really liked the coaching staff and the players. "

Reynolds said he will not play rugby this year, as had previously been a part of his off-season training regimen. Reynolds doesn't want to risk an injury when he can be part of, what he believes is, an up-and-coming program.

"Everybody is working hard," Reynolds said of the Tar Heels. "They have some momentum and they're getting some confidence. They're getting pumped up and ready to win some games."