4-star Ashton Woods commits to North Carolina: 'It felt like home'

Marietta (Ga.) Walton four-star linebacker Ashton Woods gave everyone else a chance. North Carolina was just too much to overcome.

The Tar Heels have had Woods’ heart for months. He finally saw what he needed to see from the North Carolina and decided to commit to the Tar Heels on Wednesday. After his official visit back on June 2 Woods was about 90 percent sure that North Carolina was where he wanted to be.

Woods wanted to dive deep on Baylor. The Bears came on strong. Woods had a strong relationship with Baylor linebackers coach Christian Robinson from his time at Auburn.

“When I went down on my official visit, I was like 90 percent there and I kind of knew, but I wanted to go see Baylor,” Woods told On3. “I went to see Baylor because I’d only been there one time. I love the coaches there too and they’re going to do great. When I went down there, I loved it but Chapel Hill and North Carolina was what its all about.”

North Carolina ticked every box for Ashton Woods

North Carolina checked every box for the On3 four-star linebacker.

“The closing factor was just the culture there and everyone around the building just makes North Carolina what its all about,” Woods said. “The players, Marcus (Allen), I played with him, Caleb (LaVellee) I grew with him and there are a couple of other guys that I’ve played against and have played XBox with and I’m close with. It really just felt like home with the players. The coaches are phenominal.”

Woods got close to North Carolina defensive coordinator Tommy Thigpin throughout the process. Woods felt like a priority to Thigpin but also connected with his personality.

“Coach Thigpin is a great dude, he’s one of the coaches that has told me what I need to work on rather than telling me how great I am,” Woods said.

Woods fell in love with Chapel Hill as a city as well. He’s visited multiple times thoguhout his recruitment.

“Chapel Hill, nothing was better than that,” Woods said. “Nothing was better than that.”

Now that he’s committed, Woods is shutting down his recruitment. There won’t be anymore visits. He’s focused on leading Walton to a state championship.

“I’m done with recruiting, once I shake someone’s hand, I’m locked in,” Woods said. “I’m going to North Carolina. I won’t be going on anymore visits. I’m set with my boys on my high school team for the next six months. That’s all I’m thinking about.”