Reggie Wilkins, a versatile offensive star from Shelby, committed to play football at North Carolina yesterday.

Wilkins, a 5-10, 160-pound senior, made his decision after being in Chapel Hill last Saturday for UNC's 40-6 win over The Citadel.

Coach Roy Kirby of Crest said that Wilkins' decision came down to UNC and N.C. State. Wilkins also had offers from East Carolina, Colorado, Louisville, Western Carolina, N.C. A&T and Marshall.

"He was tired of all the phone calls," Kirby said. "A lot of others were calling him besides the (college) coaches."

Wilkins is UNC's ninth commitment, and his addition to the 2010 recruiting class will offset the loss of Justin Dixon, a linebacker from Smithfield. Dixon has decided to enroll at East Carolina after failing to meet the NCAA's academic rules for freshman eligibility. He had been thinking of attending prep school for a year to qualify.

Kirby said he was not surprised by the decision of Wilkins, his quarterback.

"I think growing up he was a Carolina fan, a big-time Carolina fan," Kirby said. "I think deep down in his heart he wanted to go to Carolina, so he decided to pull the trigger so he could concentrate on his senior season."

Wilkins is in his third season as a starter. As a junior, he completed 60 of 139 passes for 914 yards and five touchdowns, with two interceptions, and ran for 994 yards and 15 touchdowns on 163 carries. Kirby said that UNC recruited Wilkins, who has 4.5-second speed over 40 yards, as a receiver and kick returner.

"He's going to be something special for them," Kirby said. "He can make the acrobatic catches. Someone covering him man-to-man is going to have a hard time."