Tag: Travis Shaw

Jahvaree Ritzie speaks highly of Travis Shaw’s improvements in spring action

UNC’s defensive leader Jahvaree Ritzie speaks highly of Travis Shaw’s improvements following Saturday’s Spring Football game.

The UNC football program will be counting on a few players this season, including [autotag]Travis Shaw[/autotag], who is entering his third season.

The five-star recruit has yet to produce the season Tar Heel fans hoped for when he committed to the program in 2021. In two seasons, Shaw has mustered up 29 tackles (1.5 for loss), three pass deflections, and zero sacks.

However, the 6’5, 330-pound defensive lineman has shown glimpses of what he brings to the table, and teammate [autotag]Jahvaree Ritzie[/autotag] echoed that Saturday following UNC’s spring football game. 

“Big Trav been working this spring I ain’t gonna lie.” Ritzie continued “His work ethic has taken off. I am really proud of Travis, because coming in as a young guy, we all have our ups and downs but Trav has been taking off going into his junior year.” 

Ritzie broke down what improved in Shaw’s game this spring, oozing with excitement as he broke it down. 

“His point of attack, him with his hands, his eyes, his base. He looks good out there, he’s running to the ball every single play. There’s been a bunch that he’s improved on that I am proud of him for.” 

Shaw heading into his junior year, can be a difference-maker for this program that is expected to be blitz-heavy behind Geoff Collins. If Shaw can live up to his five-star status, who knows what’s in store for the UNC football program? 

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Travis Shaw sends cryptic tweet following Gene Chizik and Tim Cross’s dismissal

Travis Shaw sent a cryptic tweet following Gene Chizik and Tim Cross’s dismissal, causing speculation that trouble is brewing for the UNC.

Trouble could be brewing for the UNC football program, with 5-star defensive lineman [autotag]Travis Shaw[/autotag] sending a cryptic tweet following the announcement of parted ways with DC Gene Chizik and defensive lineman coach Tim Cross.

Shaw posted on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) with two words “Of course”. The words itself doesn’t amount to much, but when you account for the facepalm emoji that was a part of the tweet and the fact that Cross was responsible for recruiting Shaw, as well as the timing calls for concern.

As of now, it’s simply speculation on what the tweet means, but some have alluded to it being Cross dismissal and it taking place the morning of the transfer portal closing, preventing Shaw from entering. Shaw leaving would be a big blow to UNC’s plans, as they hope to see their investment pan out.

Finding the right defensive coordinator is crucial for UNC, to bring in new talent and keep them. In two seasons for UNC, Shaw has 29 tackles, and three pass deflections.

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UNC football defensive keys to the game vs Pitt

Taking a look at the defensive keys to the game for the UNC football program against Pitt.

The North Carolina Tar Heels will hit the road for their first ACC game against the Panthers in Pittsburgh.

UNC comes to the meeting with an unbeaten record after a dominating performance against Minnesota. Everything that could have gone right did for the Tar Heels, with Drake Maye throwing over 400 passing yards through the air for the second time in his career and the defense showing they are not a fluke.

Pitt’s threat is much different from what the Gophers. Minnesota had at least a running game to worry about, but their offense has yet to be able to do much in the air or ground since their lopsided week one victory over Wofford.

Instead, the Panthers will look to capitalize off mistakes made by the opposing offense, making this game critical for the Tar Heels to stay disciplined. Despite Pitt walking into this meeting 1-2, UNC will need to showcase a dominant performance from start to finish to remain unbeaten.

Tar Heels hoping big offseason pays off for 5-star Travis Shaw

UNC defensive lineman Travis Shaw, a former 5-star state champion out of Grimsley High School, dropped 35 pounds in offseason workouts.

Travis Shaw is one of the biggest recruits to put on a Carolina uniform, especially in recent years.

Shaw, entering his sophomore season in Chapel Hill, was a former 5-star prospect, 2021 4A state champion at Grimsley High School and the Class of 2022’s 5th-best recruit in the nation. He played 13 games in a reserve role for UNC last year, recording 18 tackles, a half tackle-for-loss and two pass breakups.

With Ray Vohasek trying to make it in the NFL, Shaw will be expected to contribute extra and, possibly, step into a starting role on the defensive line.

He’s off to a good start this offseason, slimming down in hopes of giving himself more mobility.

Shaw may have to wait his turn as a starter – he’s the third-string defensive tackle, according to UNC’s depth chart on Ourlads.com, behind Kevin Hester Jr. and Tomari Fox. There’s a possiblity, though, that defensive coordinator Gene Chizik uses a rotation throughout his defensive line.

Shaw could play anywhere on the line. His frame is large enough where he could be a force in the middle, though his weight drop could give him the extra speed boost to be effective as a defensive end.

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Twitter predicts who will lead UNC football in sacks this season

Defensive line has been a talented – but underperfoming – unit for the UNC football team. Tar Heel fans predict who will step up this year.

Defensive line has been somewhat of an underperforming spot for the University of North Carolina football team in recent years.

Despite nabbing four and 5-star in-state recruits like Keeshawn Silver (now with Kentucky), Desmond Evans and Travis Shaw, the sack totals are nowhere near what they should be for this talented defensive unit.

Kaimon Rucker and Noah Taylor led UNC with 3.5 sacks apiece in 2022. Shaw nor Evans recorded a single sack.

College offenses tend to run the spread offense more, so lower sack totals are understandable. With guys like Evans and Shaw on the defensive line, though, higher totals are expected.

Let’s take a look at Great Day Tar Heel and see who fans think will lead Carolina in sacks this fall:

According to Ourlads NFL Scouting Services, UNC’s starting defensive line will be Evans, defensive tackle Myles Murphy and nose tackle Kevin Hester Jr. Jacolbe Cowan and Beau Atkinson back up Evans on the outside, Jahvaree Ritzee and Kedrick Bingley-Jones slot in behind Murphy, while Shaw and Tomari Fox slide in behind Hester.

There will be plenty opportunity for UNC players to generate sacks in the fall. It wouldn’t be surprising to see defensive coordinator Gene Chizik list his D-line starters for one game (say, the Sept. 9 home opener against App State), then rotate everyone in throughout the game. This strategy would allow everyone to keep fresh legs and give Chizik an idea of who his top contributors are.

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UNC lands in final three for top 2023 in-state defensive lineman

The UNC football program made the top-three for the top in-state player in the 2023 class, Jamaal Jarrett.

The UNC football program continues to be a top team on the recruiting trail under Mack Brown and that continued this weekend by being included in a top defensive tackles top list.

2023 four-star defensive lineman [autotag]Jamaal Jarrett[/autotag] trimmed his list to three programs and announced a decision date on Sunday. His list now includes North Carolina, Georgia and Auburn and he will make his announcement on July 19.

Jarrett is the No. 50 overall prospect in the Rivals250 class of 2023 rankings and is the No. 2 defensive tackle.

From Grimsley (NC) High School, Jarrett broke down his connection with the UNC staff with On3.com.

“North Carolina is home to me (literally),” Jarrett said. “Chapel Hill has been supporting me since the beginning of this process. In fact they were my first offer. I love how Coach Cross takes care of his defensive lineman and how UNC provides so much love and care for their athletes especially “their in-state“ guys.

“On my visit me and my family felt the vibe they were trying to get off and we could tell they really loved us. I’ve visited this place so many times I could give people tours. UNC is so close to home that I’d be able to visit and be able to check on my family if anything were to happen. UNC is a top contender in my recruitment because of the strong coaching staff and them being “home’.”

North Carolina has made Jarrett a priority since his recruitment started. The Tar Heels were the first offer for the 6-foot-5 lineman.

One additional piece to the puzzle that could help the Tar Heels in Jarrett’s recruitment is current freshman at UNC, Travis Shaw. Shaw and Jarrett were teammates at Grimsley before Shaw enrolled at North Carolina.

Jarret has taken visit to North Carolina in back-to-back months.

UNC currently has six commits in its 2023 class

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Five-star 2022 DT Travis Shaw commits to North Carolina

Five-star defensive tackle Travis Shaw committed to Mack Brown’s North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday.

Five-star Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley defensive tackle Travis Shaw is staying home.

Shaw announced his commitment Saturday night on CBS Sports HQ, picking Mack Brown’s North Carolina Tar Heels over a group of finalists consisting of Clemson, Clemson and HBCU North Carolina A&T.

Clemson was long thought to be the favorite to land Shaw, but his recruitment swung in North Carolina’s favor once the NCAA recruiting dead period ended. Shaw took a self-guided trip to Chapel Hill in April, returned to campus for an unofficial visit early in June and then completed an official visit with North Carolina on June 25 — his final visit of the summer. Shaw took an official visit to Georgia the previous weekend.

Shaw is the No. 4 overall recruit in the class of 2022, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings. He is also the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 1 prospect in North Carolina in the class.

“Shaw is a thick built player with a powerful lower half,” 247Sports’ Chris Singletary said in his scouting report of Shaw. “Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds he is still athletic enough to play all over the defensive line with great production. He is light on his feet and makes plays off the edge and the interior. With his power and bull rush he does an excellent job pushing the pocket and causing disruption. Shaw is has excellent awareness and is able to read and react on plays that are away from him, chasing them down from the backside.

“He has good flexibility in his hips and he can drop his weight and turn the corner when rushing the passer. He has to continue to work on playing with a low pad level and utilizing his hands when he gets off blocks, along with adding pass rusher moves to his game. Shaw brings athleticism not normally seen in a player his size, that makes for his upside to being off the charts and him projecting to being a Power Five starter for multiple years. I think that he projects as an All Conference player with the chance of being a 1st round pick in the NFL Draft.”

RELATED: St. John Bosco kicks off 2021 season with win over Miami Central

5-star Clemson target commits elsewhere

A five-star Clemson target in the class of 2022 committed elsewhere on Saturday evening. Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley defensive tackle Travis Shaw announced his commitment to North Carolina during a ceremony at Grimsley High School. Shaw (6-5, 310) …

A five-star Clemson target in the class of 2022 committed elsewhere on Saturday evening.

Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley defensive tackle Travis Shaw announced his commitment to North Carolina during a ceremony at Grimsley High School.

Shaw (6-5, 310) chose the Tar Heels over his three other finalists — Clemson, Georgia and North Carolina A&T.

He is rated as a five-star prospect by Rivals and the 247Sports Composite, the latter of which considers him the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 4 overall prospect in the 2022 class.

Shaw took official visits to UNC and UGA in June and visited Clemson for the Elite Retreat that month as well. Clemson got Shaw back on campus for the All In Cookout in late July before he headed back to UNC for its cookout the same week.

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Insider Report – Plenty of Five-star Updates

Each week The Clemson Insider brings you the latest Inside information on the Clemson Tigers in The Insider Report. What is the latest on the nation’s top athlete? What is the forecast for this weekend when Five-star Travis Shaw is expected to …

Each week The Clemson Insider brings you the latest Inside information on the Clemson Tigers in The Insider Report.

What is the latest on the nation’s top athlete?  What is the forecast for this weekend when Five-star Travis Shaw is expected to announce his decision?  An in-state coach dishes on a top 50 prospect who is on the Tigers’ radar?  All of this and more in this week’s edition of The Insider Report.

If you are not already a Clemson Insider register today for Free and enjoy all of the Insider information on TheClemsonInsider.com.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

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Nation’s No. 3 recruit Travis Shaw is ready to commit

The Georgia Bulldogs, UNC Tar Heels, and Clemson Tigers are among the top schools vying for a commitment from five-star DT Travis Shaw.

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The Georgia Bulldogs, UNC Tar Heels and Clemson Tigers are among the top schools vying for a commitment from five-star defensive tackle Travis Shaw. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound defensive tackle is the third-ranked recruit in the class nationally.

Travis Shaw also named North Carolina A&T in his top four schools, which he released in June. Where will Shaw commit? He is favored to attend UNC or Clemson.

Now, Shaw has named his decision date via Twitter. He plans to announce his college football commitment on Aug. 21.

Shaw dominates high school football for Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is top-rated player in North Carolina and the No. 2 defensive lineman in the country.

It would be awesome to see Shaw follow Jordan Davis’ footsteps and attend Georgia. Davis played high school football in North Carolina and quickly developed into a run-stopping force during his time in Athens.

Georgia needs a defensive tackle in the class of 2022, especially after five-star defensive lineman Bear Alexander decommitted. UGA defensive line coach Tray Scott is handling Shaw’s recruitment.

Here’s a look at Travis Shaw’s last trip to Athens:

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Aug. 31, 2013; Clemson, South Carolina; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders pose for a picture with mascot UGA prior to the start of the game against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports