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UNC Football Recruiting: Overlooked Wide Receiver Commits to Tar Heels

The UNC football staff might have found a hidden gem in unrated Florida prep Shanard Clower.
Matt Giles|
UNC football recruiting commit Shanard Clower
UNC football recruiting commit Shanard Clower | ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGER / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

One of Bill Belichick's notable strengths in amassing six Super Bowl rings as head coach of the New England Patriots was identifying and acquiring underrated talents. Perhaps the 72-year-old has already secured a few such players on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal as a first-year UNC football head coach.

ALSO READ: UNC Head Coach May Look to Flip Two-Sport 2026 Star

Lakeland High School (Fla.) wide receiver Shanard Clower could fit that description. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound unrated speedster announced his commitment to Belichick and the Tar Heels via the following post on social media over the weekend:

Although Clower's senior stats aren't off the charts, it's worth noting that he compiled them for a powerhouse Lakeland program that finished 13-1 overall.

The future Tar Heel hauled in 28 receptions, including at least one in nine outings, for 556 yards and nine touchdowns. So, Clower averaged 19.9 yards per catch and found paydirt on almost a third of them.

Plus, he tallied 62 rushing yards on eight carries, and he totaled 144 yards between his duties on the kickoff and punt return teams.

Clower committed to the Tar Heels over offers from UCF, Rhode Island, Eastern Kentucky, and handful of others.

UNC football now enjoys almost two dozen pledges on the 2025 trail. The collection stacks up at No. 59 in the country, according to On3, and No. 15 in the ACC.

ALSO READ: Brother of UNC Transfer Addition Commits to Tar Heels

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC football recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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