Desperate for size, Tar Heels add walk-on forward for 2011

        After bolstering team depth and talent with one of the best, if not the best, freshman recruiting classes in the nation, the North Carolina Tar Heels are still searching for frontcourt help. Coach Roy Williams added three top-tier wing players in this year's recruiting class, but no low-post players to offset the departures of Ed Davis (NBA), Deon Thompson (graduation), Travis and David Wear (transfer). Their 2011 player commit list is highlighted by one of the top big men in the class in James McAdoo, a 6'8" power forward from Norfolk Christian in Virginia and recently, the team has added a 6'8" walk-on forward, Jackson Simmons. With UNC's frontcourt was looking bleak for this upcoming season with only Tyler Zeller and John Henson as returning impact players, Williams is making one more push to find bodies to plug into the glaring holes for the program's future.

        Simmons averaged 20 points and 12.5 rebounds as a junior at Smoky Mountain High and could earn some minutes up front with voids filling North Carolina's depth chart up front, but also as a developing offensive player. He is a true post player, but is working extremely hard on a perimeter game according to his high school coach.

        Coach Williams is still waiting on 2011 prospect, Cody Zeller, the younger brother of Tyler, who is considering North Carolina. At 6'11", Zeller can play both inside and out, despite his thin frame at 210 pounds.


By President - Corey Ruff - 8-24-10