One of 10 true freshman to play last season • Enters the season competing for a starting spot at outside linebacker.

2011 – Freshman Season
True freshman who has a bright future at UNC after playing in all 13 games and starting one vs. Georgia Tech • Also played on special teams • Finished the regular season with 13 tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry • Had one tackle in a 30-24 loss to Miami • Had one tackle in a 14-7 victory over Louisville • Posted two tackles and had a quarterback pressure in a 35-20 victory at East Carolina • Made his first career start and had five tackles in a loss at Georgia Tech • In his first career game, he posted three tackles in Carolina’s 42-10 win over James Madison.

Kempsville High School
Under-Armour All-America • SuperPrep All-America • Ranked the No. 5 middle linebacker in the country by Scout.com • Member of the Rivals250 team • Rated the No. 9 inside linebacker and the No. 4 overall prospect in Virginia by Rivals.com • Four-star prospect by Scout and Rivals • Ranked the No. 8 linebacker by SuperPrep • Considered the No. 6 inside linebacker prospect by ESPNU and a member of the ESPNU 150 • Considered the No. 3 overall prospect in Virginia by SuperPrep • Member of the Orlando Sentinel’s All-Southern Team • Member of Tom Lemming’s All-America Team • Won the skills contest at the Under Armour All-America Game and tied for team-high honors in tackles • Selected to the Chesapeake Bowl, the Offense/Defense All-Star game and the Virginia State All-Star Game • First-team all-region and first-team all-state • Also first-team at linebacker and running back in the Beach district • Three-time All-Beach selection • Played this summer in the Florida Gridiron Iron Kings All-Star Bash • Played both running back and linebacker at Kempsville • Posted 291 career tackles, including 25 tackles for losses and 20 sacks • Also had three interceptions and returned two for touchdowns, had eight pass breakups and 11 fumble recoveries • Carried 185 times for 1,227 yards and 20 touchdowns and was a first-team all-district pick as a senior • Set a Beach District record with 354 yards and six touchdowns on 24 carries in his final high school football game • All-Tidewater first-team selection • Rushed for 1,230 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior and had 58 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two interceptions • Rushed for 3,804 career yards and had 47 touchdowns • Also had 18 catches for 156 yards and three touchdowns • Four-year starter • His brother, Trenton, is a defensive back at Maryland • Also competes on the track team in the 100m, 200m and sprint relay teams • Coached by Jamaine Paddyfoot • Helped conduct youth football camps during the summer.

Personal
Mother is Gwedolyn Hughes; Father and stepmom are Tony and Celia Hughes • Has a brother, Trenton, and sisters Joi and Jade •  Father and grandfather were high school track and field athletes • Father also competed in track and field in college • Undecided on his major • Born Feb. 15, 1992.