Nansemond-Suffolk star RB George Pettaway commits to North Carolina

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy four-star prospect George Pettaway committed to North Carolina on Wednesday.

Pettaway, a 5-foot-11 and 190-pound running back, chose the Tar Heels over nearly 30 offers, including Penn State, Florida and Oregon.

He said he realized in late July that North Carolina was the best fit for him.

“I was looking for an education first,” he said. “I was looking for a great bond and family atmosphere. I was looking how they would treat my family off the field, not just visiting. And a great football program that likes to win.”

Pettaway, rated the No. 4 senior in Hampton Roads, is nationally ranked No. 98 by 247Sports, No. 101 by Rivals and No. 106 by ESPN.

In four games this season, he leads the area in rushing with 749 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s also third in receiving with eight receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns.

North Carolina has benefitted from assistant coach Dre Bly. The Tar Heel cornerback coach was a standout at North Carolina and in the NFL but began his career at Western Branch High in Chesapeake.

Since he’s been there, he’s recruited cornerback Tony Grimes (Princess Anne), safety Cam’Ron Kelly (Oscar Smith) and linebacker Trevion Stevenson (Phoebus). They also have commitments from Landstown receiver Tychaun Chapman and Green Run receiver/defensive back Tayon Holloway, who were ranked No. 1 and No. 3 in Hampton Roads, respectively.

“There’s a lot of 757 dudes down there right now, a lot of good players, a lot of good people off the field. I feel like we’ll mesh very well,” said Pettaway, who has been invited to play in the Under Armour All-America Game. “I know a lot of those kids like Tony Grimes. I’m good friends with him. He was honest with me about what North Carolina is really about.”

Larry Rubama, 757-446-2273, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com Follow @LHRubama on Twitter.