No. 1 CB in 2021 Class,Tony Grimes, Lists UNC in His Top 8

Since February 1, 2019, UNC has been after the No. 1 Cornerback in High School football, Tony Grimes. Coaches Dre Bly and Tommy Thigpen have been hot on the trail recruiting the newly turned 18-year-old, but has it worked? UNC's 2021 class is currently ranked number 3 in the nation and second in the ACC behind Clemson with 12 commitments. Also should make note, Bly's connection with Grimes may come at a hometown advantage; Bly is from Chesapeake, Va.

247 Sports has Grimes, rated was "warm" regarding him choosing UNC along with Georgia, Texas A&M, and Ohio State. The Virginia Beach native has not shied away from the attention and continues to outperform and continually raise his overall stock amongst all positions. Coach Bly has been able to establish

Below is what Grimes had to say regarding his Carolina recruitment,

North Carolina: "Coach Dre Bly and coach Mack Brown, they have something crazy going on down there with their program. And coach Dre Bly, a Hall of Fame Pro Bowler, Super Bowler, come on now, it doesn't get any better than that as a coach, but we are going to see what they do this year."

Below are his selected 8,

Top 8 Schools Blessed 🙏🏽 @dhglover @Bubblesdnf pic.twitter.com/Ctg5RTq5e6
— Tony Grimes (@757EliteDB) April 9, 2020

But today, UNC did something a little distinctive than Grimes' other suitors; Coaches, current members, and incoming recruits made sure the love was felt for his 18th birthday. Since the NCAA has restricted in-person recruiting due to COVID-19, the next best thing is social media.

@757EliteDB Happy Birthday to you and Tino! The Tar Heel family is waiting on you! Let’s be great🐏
— Drake Maye (@DrakeMaye2) April 8, 2020

Happy Birthday fam @757EliteDB and to your brother Tino! Come join me in the Hill! Hope y’all have a blessed day and Go Heels! @drebly_32
— Sam Howell (@Sam7Howell) April 8, 2020

Happy birthday to my boys tino and Tony grimes. We need some more dawgs. You know how we gone get down if you come to the hill. Just ask Rude #757to919 @CamRonJKelly @757EliteDB @dhglover @drebly_32 pic.twitter.com/VNXWrZO8OQ
— Dazz Newsome (@dazznewsome05) April 8, 2020

Happy bday @757EliteDB . Come join the family bro, we want you !!💯 @drebly_32
— Glory to God. (@JoshDowns) April 8, 2020

Even NFL players who didn't attend UNC, such as Champ Bailey, but are close with Bly, shouted out Grimes on his big day,

Happy Birthday Tony and TIno! You up next Tony! @drebly_32 @dhglover @757EliteDB
— Champ Bailey (@champbailey) April 8, 2020

Brian Dorn of 247Sports evaluation of Grimes,

"Wide shoulders and good length. Frame of safety with cornerback skills. Instinctual player with high skill level. Physical and smooth. Tracks ball well and has great timing. Opens hips and runs with ease. Long strider who can cover on long crossing routes and deep throws. Strong upper body helps re-route receivers with jams. Comfortable in backpedal and explodes forward out of it. Good tackler and asset in run defense. High IQ on and off field. Leadership qualities. Must get stronger in lower body. Ready to play at elite program when he steps on campus. First round NFL draft pick potential."

Grimes is slated to announce his decision December 2020.

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