Here's why Crest football standout Javarius Green committed to UNC and Mack Brown
BOILING SPRINGS — Before shifting full focus toward his senior football season, Crest standout Javarius Green had one order of business to take care of Friday afternoon.
Hours ahead of kickoff against Upstate South Carolina powerhouse Gaffney, the Chargers’ top prospect announced his plan to play football at the University of North Carolina.
"I've been holding it in for a little while, so I'm definitely happy to call a place home," he said. "It was a hard process; I'm thankful for all the schools who offered me an opportunity, but North Carolina kind of checked all the boxes for me on and off the field, education and a place that felt like home.
Green was pursued by 20 schools, among them nearby Gardner-Webb, Appalachian State and East Carolina, along with NC State, South Florida, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. From the list he trimmed his potential college destinations to four: UNC, Maryland and Michigan State, with Alabama making a late run at the 5-10, 190-pound receiver.
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In the end, though, it was the Tar Heels who won out. In addition to playing football, the opportunity to play for the UNC baseball team also weighed heavily into his decision.
Added his father, former NFL tight end and two-time Super Bowl champion Willie Green: (UNC) is a great decision. The Carolina baseball coaches were recruiting him before the football program. He's always been a UNC fan; this has always been his school. Obviously he has an opportunity to play baseball and football, which was a deciding factor on a number of schools he was considering."
Last fall, Green emerged as one of the state’s top receivers after catching 62 passes for 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns. His stock particularly surged last September following a 54-49 win over rival Shelby, the Crest standout finishing with 10 catches for 309 yards and five TDs.
"(When hired in 2022) I told him (Green) he was going to double or triple (his receiving yards)," said Crest coach Jim Sosebee. "I didn't know he was going to do that in a single game. But the sky's the limit for this kid; he's still early in his football career and he's only going to get better and better."
Heading into his senior season, Green has 1,814 career receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. He also has three punt returns for TDs.
"I'm happy to relax, let this go out and play football," he said. "Some of the goals I have is to make my mark as one of the best receivers in the State of North Carolina, and make that known. Sometimes I feel like I'm underrated, so that's one of my goals.
"Obviously as a team, (we want) to win, make this season special as it's our last season (with) this group of seniors; I'll never be with these guys again. Gotta win all these games to make it eventful."
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Javarius Green: UNC football lands Crest football standout
