Fansided

TreVeyon Henderson, Will Shipley and 10 college football freshmen that will be instant stars

By Cody Williams

Clemson running back Will Shipley(1) runs during football practice in Clemson, S.C. Friday, March 5, 2021.Clemson Spring Football Practice
Clemson running back Will Shipley(1) runs during football practice in Clemson, S.C. Friday, March 5, 2021.Clemson Spring Football Practice /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 10
Next
North Carolina Tar Heels. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina Tar Heels. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Keeshawn Silver, DE, North Carolina

Ranked No. 10 in the preseason AP Top 25, it’s safe to say that the Mack Brown rebuild in Chapel Hill is going exceptionally well and, frankly, is way ahead of schedule for whatever most people thought was going to happen with the veteran head coach returning to the program. And a big reason for that has been a major uptick in recruiting for the Tar Heels.

While Sam Howell is a bonafide college superstar after two seasons as the starter, the two big areas of focus for North Carolina to take the next step is replacing the lost weapons from last year and getting better play in the trenches on defense. That’s where incoming 5-star freshman Keeshawn Silver could come into the equation and have a monster impact.

The potential versatility of Silver immediately stands out as he comes to UNC at 6-foot-5, 289 pounds but primarily playing on the edge as a defensive end. With that size, however, he could be an explosive force who rotates into the interior on occasion and affects the game from multiple positions.

North Carolina is, for the most part, coming into the 2021 season with a blank slate on the defensive line. They have some experience but have lacked bonafide playmakers. With his size and athleticism as he arrives in Chapel Hill, Silver could immediately change that — as could fellow freshman Jahvaree Ritzie.