Sign Period - Division 1 Recruiting Class Breakdown: Public Schools

*Click HERE to see the updated NC Class of 2019 Rankings
*Click HERE to see the up to date NC Commitment Tracker

The NCAA made a slight change to the signing period, opening the period on November 14^th and keeping it open until August.  They have done away with an early and late period, allowing athletes that commit after November 14^th to go ahead and make their commitment binding if they choose.

For the players that committed prior to the November 14 date, the signing period allows athletes to make their commitment binding, by singing their NLI and Financial Aid paperwork.  Because schools can choose to wait to release their signed commitments, the information below on each school’s signing class is unofficial and subject to change.  Having said that, all of the commitments below have been reported by PBR and are on the PBR Commitment Tracker.

Below we continue our look at each Division I school in North Carolina, with the public schools.  Schools are listed alphabetically.  We look to break down the in-state commitments as well as highlighting the entire class of high school commitments.  You can look back at part I, the Division private schools HERE.

Division I Signing Classes - NC Public Schools

Appalachian State

• Total Commits:  8
• # of Top 100 Ranked Players in NC: 5
• Immediate Impact Player: Cy Smith
• Sleeper in the Class:  Peyton Idol

Coach Kermit Smith and the Mountaineer staff have put together a solid class with several late additions that could make an impact on the mountain very early.  Led by the quick arm of Cy Smith, App State has landed two in-state arms and 5 in-state position players.  Peyton Idol is a high motor middle infielder that may be an advanced defender early in his career.

Charlotte

• Total Commits:  11
• # of Top 100 Ranked Players in NC: 6
• Immediate Impact Player:  Mason Gwyn
• Sleeper in the Class:  Zach Weston

The 49ers landed two power arms in Mason Gwyn and Tyler Driver.   Each has a high ceiling and should be able to contribute early.  Zach Weston is an interesting prospect who has added strength since his commitment.  A left-handed stroke that produced a lot of barrel began to drive the baseball toward the end of the summer season.  The in-state crop of players are all ranked inside the NC Top 100 and have a median rank of No. 49… a fitting number for the 49ers.

East Carolina

• Total Commits:  11
• # of Top 100 Ranked Players in NC: 6
• Immediate Impact Player: Cody Benton
• Sleeper in the Class: Carson Whisenhunt

The Pirates and coach Cliff Godwin have to be excited about their in-state crop of players in the 2019 class.  Cody Benton leads the way, a power armed RHP with feel for his secondary stuff.  Carson Whisenhunt is a potential dual prospect with upside as a left handed hitter and on the mound.  Of the six in-state commits, Benton is the top prospect at No. 4 and CJ Mayhue checks in at No. 32.

North Carolina

• Total Commits:  12
• # of Top 100 Ranked Players in NC: 5
• Immediate Impact Player:  Kyle Smith
• Sleeper in the Class:  Isaiah Bennett

The Tarheels have continued to take a national approach to their recruiting efforts but that does not mean they are neglecting their home state.  Kyle Smith is an athletic catcher with an advanced bat.  Still raw behind the plate, his athleticism suggests he will mature quickly.  Isaiah Bennett is listed as the sleeper, but is a national name.  Bennett has been out since last spring after under-going Tommy John surgery, but all indications are Bennett will make a full recovery and be ready to roll when he shows up on campus.