Spring Break is a time to relax and reset for the remainder of the school year.
Khalil Conley ’24 had grander plans. And they involve a much bigger decision about his future.
The junior from Fletcher, N.C., announced Monday night that he has verbally committed to play college football for UNC-Chapel Hill.
“The family feel that I got from the school was the biggest thing,” Khalil said.
“It just felt like I bonded with the players instantly, all of them, when I went up there a couple times. I really like the atmosphere and the culture. Coach (Mack) Brown and Coach (Jason) Jones recruited me heavy and they are coaches I want to play for in the future."
Khalil will be the first Greenie in more than two decades to play football for the Tar Heels. Calvin Covington ‘01 is considered one of the all-time greats in Christ School athletics – he starred in basketball, football, and track before continuing his career as a walk-on linebacker at UNC.
Last season was Khalil’s first with the Greenies and he led the team in all-purpose yards (1,106) and receptions (39). His receiving yardage of 736 yards included five touchdowns, he had 342 return yards, and a pair of interceptions as a defensive back. UNC is looking to utilize Khalil as a member of its secondary, he said.
Khalil had a number of other offers to consider, including Duke, N.C. State, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest in the ACC, as well as Army, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, James Madison, Missouri, and William & Mary.
Khalil is the second Greenie from the Class of 2024 to make a college commitment. Bryson Cokley ’24 gave his pledge to Wake Forest basketball back in October.