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N.J. DB Julian Peterson Chooses Tar Heels

DonCallahanby: Don Callahan11/26/25DonCallahanIC

North Carolina has outlasted Clemson and Wisconsin to land the commitment of high-three-star cornerback Julian Peterson, who announced his decision on Wednesday.

“At UNC, excellence isn’t optional and it’s becoming the standard with the greatest coach of all time,” Peterson said. “That’s the environment I want to be in as I perfect my craft at corner and go to the league.”

Over the past month, Peterson — a 6-foot-2, 190-pound standout from Winslow Township (N.J.) High — took official visits to Clemson, UNC, and Wisconsin. He spent most of this past week wavering among those three programs. At one point, he believed he might be ready to announce on Friday, but ultimately gave himself the weekend to continue deliberating.

Peterson originally committed to Penn State in January. He decommitted in October following the dismissal of head coach James Franklin.

Peterson becomes the third former PSU defensive back commit to choose UNC in the past three weeks, joining David Davis and Jaziel Hart. His high school teammate, Nyquir Helton, has also committed to the Tar Heels.

Through 10 games for Winslow Township — which will play in next weekend’s NJSIAA Group 4 Championship — Peterson has recorded 27 tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and two rushing touchdowns.