Georgia DE Allen Cater Breaks Down Commitment to North Carolina over Arkansas

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Across the country, thousands of talented Class of 2016 recruits were putting a pen to a piece of paper making for many what will be one of the most important decisions of their lives on Wednesday. On the field, football is football, but off the field education, a personal relationship with coaches, and a comfort level with a given campus can be equally important. When Mount Paran Christian Class of 2016 defensive end Allen Cater made his Top 2, North Carolina and Arkansas fit the bill.

Allen helped the Eagles to a 10-2 record in 2015 finishing somewhere in between 70-80 tackles, 30-35 tackles for a loss, and three sacks. Some 30 offers coming in from teams like Indiana, Memphis, Cincinnati, Appalachian State, Western Kentucky, and Wake Forest, Cater narrowed down his official visit list to Arkansas, trip taken on Dec. 4, North Carolina, taken on Jan. 15, and South Carolina, a trip scheduled for Jan. 22 but never taken.

The Kennesaw, Georgia, area talent knew he wanted to attend one of two schools but then had the even more difficult process of eliminating one or the other. All of the relationship building with programs and coaches, thought and prayer, along with some hand wringing, officially ended on Feb. 3 when Cater signed his letter of intent, although not as smoothly as he would have liked.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Cater after his signing ceremony to get his thoughts on his commitment to North Carolina and what were the major differences, if any, that led him to choose the Tar Heels over the Razorbacks.

Interview

Allen, first, congratulations on your commitment and signing with North Carolina.

“Thank you.”

Let’s get the tough question out of the way first. What was the difference between North Carolina and Arkansas that led you to sign with the Tar Heels?

“Education was a big part of it. I looked at it, if I took away football which school provides the better education for me. I felt that UNC would be better.”

Education won out over the football aspect or relationship with coaches?

“I had great relationships with both coaching staffs.”

When did you know in your heart that UNC was your school of choice?

“I knew after my official. I did not say anything. I did let the Arkansas coaches know I’d be Tar Heel.”

When did you let them know?

“I can’t remember exactly. I think it was the week of Jan. 22. I did it before I was supposed to go on my South Carolina visit. I committed the next week to UNC.”

But you did call Arkansas and let them know.

“Yes, I told Arkansas. I called and let them know.”

When you told Arkansas that you were committing to UNC how did they respond to the news?

“They wanted to know what it was that had me picking North Carolina over Arkansas and why. I told them it was about the education part not about football. I want to make it clear that I am not knocking their business school or the education programs at Arkansas. I just felt that I was a better fit at UNC and UNC would be a better outlet for me.

“The coaches wished me the best of luck. I can tell you this, they really wanted me. That was an emotional phone call for me. Coach (Rory) Segrest (defensive line coach) left the door open. He told me if I changed my mind to let them know in a couple of days.”

How did your commitment to UNC go down?

“I called Coach (Tray) Scott (defensive line coach), he was at the airport. When I told him he said, “You’re going to get me in trouble for getting too loud in the airport.” They passed the phone around and I talked to all the coaches that were there. Everyone was really happy. My friends and family were really excited for me too. A lot of my friends said if I didn’t choose UNC they were not going to be my friend anymore. There are a lot of strong UNC fans at my school.”

Did your silent commitment get out? Did others know you were heading to UNC ahead of your official announcement?

“The crazy thing is, no one knew except for my mom and dad and siblings. My uncle and other family members had no clue. They said they prayed about it and knew what I was going to do. They went and got UNC shirts and showed up for the ceremony wearing their UNC gear. I asked them how in the world did you guys know? I couldn’t believe it.”

How did you feel at that moment when you were signing your LOI?

“I was really nervous, but happy nervous. I was shaking. I was trying to get my signature down but my hand was shaking so much I could not write my name like I wanted. I looked at my mom and I said, “Mom I can’t write.” I was trying so hard to hold in all my emotions during my announcement.”

When do you report to UNC?

“June 15.”

Do you plan on going to campus over the spring before you report?

“I want to go to there for the spring game. It all depends on what my family is doing and what else is going on at that time.”

Is there a chance you will see the field as a true freshman?

“There are two of us strongside defensive ends coming in. There are three strongside defensive ends in total. I think they will play the top two, but not all three of us. There is a high chance that I could play this year but it all depends on how fast I am at picking up the defense, the calls, and the different schemes. It really all depends on how quickly I learn the game once I am there.”

Allen, again, congratulations on your commitment to UNC and good luck.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Cater family; Allen Cater signing ceremony.

Photo credit: Cater family; Allen with UNC coaching staff.