Is Butch Davis beginning to work his magic again?

Davis, who laid the foundation for Miami's 2001 national championship team before leaving for the NFL's Cleveland Browns, has brought in a recruiting class ranked in the top 20 despite possible NCAA sanctions looming in the future from last season's NCAA and school investigations into agent and academic issues.

The Tar Heels' signees are only third among ACC teams, but the two teams ahead of them -- Florida State and Clemson -- both play in the Atlantic Division.

North Carolina is in the Coastal Division.

The class got a late boost with the addition of five-star prospect Delvon Simmons. Simmons visited the North Carolina campus on his own and didn't make an official follow-up visit. From Pennsylvania, he even went to visit USC before signing day.

But when it came time to send in his letter-of-intent, Simmons stuck with the Tar Heels. The idea of playing for Davis, a former defensive line coach, in his 4-3 scheme was a key factor in Simmons' decision.

"The opportunity to play for a man like Butch Davis was a big deal," said Carolina assistant John Shoop, who is the offensive coordinator but recruits western Pennsylvania. "When you think of D-linemen charging up the field in a 4-3 defense, Butch Davis is about the first guy that comes to mind. That really resonated with him."

Simmons was one of two five-star recruits in Scout.com's ratings. The other is offensive tackle Kiaro Holts.

Neither was among the five early enrollees who will take part in spring practice, but that group does include four-star prospects Marquise Williams, a quarterback out of Charlotte; Sylvester Williams, a defensive tackle and junior college transfer from Jefferson City, Mo.; and Landon Turner, an offensive guard from Harrisonburg, Va.

TOP OF THE CLASS

DT Delvon Simmons (McKeesport, Pa.) -- Simmons had rankings as high as No. 1 in the state of Pennsylvania and the No. 80 prospect overall from Rivals.com. Scout.com rated him even higher -- the No. 3 defensive tackle. Simmons, 6-5, 265, is a candidate to move right in to Carolina's rotation up front.

OL Kiaro Holts (Warren Central, Indianapolis, Ind.) -- A five-star prospect, Holts, 6-5, 275, did not allow a sack as a senior. His signing could have the equivalent impact on offense as Simmons' did on defense for the Tar Heels.

QB Marquise Williams (Mallard Creek, Charlotte, N.C.) -- Williams was ranked the No. 10 dual threat quarterbacks in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 12 overall prospect at the position by Scout.com. One of five early enrollees for the Tar Heels, Williams threw for more than 3,000 yards last season in completing 67 percent of his passes and rushed for 1,147.

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