Carson Sneed’s Journey to North Carolina: Size, Skill, and a Championship Mentality
When Jay Pierce took over as head coach at Donelson Christian Academy, he already had one name circled on his mental roster: Carson Sneed. Long before he ever stepped foot on campus, Pierce had heard about the towering freshman who was making waves in Middle Tennessee football circles.
At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds as a 15-year-old, Sneed wasn’t just big - he was imposing. And he didn’t just stick to one spot on the field.
He was lining up at tight end, defensive end, offensive tackle, and outside linebacker. That kind of versatility, paired with raw size and athleticism, made him impossible to ignore.
“I remember watching him at Friendship Christian and thinking, ‘This kid is a freshman?’” Pierce recalled.
“He looked like a grown man out there. I knew right then he was going to be a problem for a lot of teams.”
Fast forward to this week, and Sneed made it official. The three-star tight end signed his National Letter of Intent with North Carolina, flipping from his original commitment to Tennessee back in August. For Sneed, the decision wasn’t just about the program - it was about the man leading it.
The Belichick Factor
Yes, that Belichick.
Bill Belichick, now at the helm in Chapel Hill, played a major role in Sneed’s decision. The six-time Super Bowl champion has a long track record of maximizing tight end talent - just ask Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez. That legacy wasn’t lost on Sneed.
“Bill Belichick is one of, if not the greatest coach of all time,” Sneed said. “He’s developed some of the best tight ends the game has seen. I feel like I can be one of the next greats in that line.”
That’s not just lip service. Sneed sees himself fitting into that mold - a big-bodied, physical tight end who can block in the run game and win matchups in the passing game. And with Belichick’s system known for demanding excellence from tight ends, the opportunity to learn under that kind of tutelage is rare.
Family Ties in Chapel Hill
For Sneed, the move to North Carolina also comes with a built-in support system. His older brother, Dayton Sneed, played at DCA and made the jump to the Tar Heels after transferring from Tennessee earlier this year. Now, the two will reunite - this time at the Division I level.
“He’s been through it already - the transition, the expectations, the pressure,” Carson said. “So when I get there, I’ll have someone who can guide me through it. I won’t be going in blind.”
That kind of mentorship can be critical for early development, especially for a player coming off a tough break.
A Season Cut Short, But Leadership On Full Display
Sneed’s senior season didn’t go the way he planned. Just three games in, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. But if you think that sidelined his impact, think again.
In limited action, he still made plays - 45 receiving yards and a touchdown on just two catches, plus seven tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery on defense. But where he really stood out was off the field.
Despite being unable to suit up, Sneed showed up to practice. He was on the sideline at games. He coached, encouraged, and - yes - even talked a little trash to the opposition.
“This season he got banged up, which I hated for him, because Carson loves to play,” Pierce said. “But he still came to practice.
He still attended the games, and he even tried to talk some trash on the sidelines. Sometimes I had to say, ‘Hey, man.
Stop.’”
That loyalty to his team, even when he couldn’t contribute on the field, spoke volumes.
“I couldn’t just abandon my brothers,” Sneed said. “It would’ve felt wrong. I wanted to be there every day, coach where I could, and be a big supporter.”
Built for the Next Level
Sneed’s path to North Carolina wasn’t built on just one position. He’s been a Swiss Army knife for DCA - lining up wherever he was needed. That experience, especially his early years playing offensive tackle, gave him a physical edge most tight ends don’t have coming out of high school.
“Playing offensive tackle my first two years gave me a big advantage,” Sneed said. “Not a lot of tight ends going into college really have that.
I know how to block. I’m physical in the run game.”
But he’s not just a blocker. Over the past two seasons, Sneed’s route running and receiving skills have taken a leap. He’s confident in his ability to win matchups - no matter who’s across from him.
“My route game has developed to an elite status,” he said. “I feel like I can win against just about anybody.”
Middle Tennessee’s Division I Pipeline
Sneed’s signing is part of a strong year for Middle Tennessee talent moving on to the next level. Here’s a look at other Division I signees from the area:
- BGA: Kaedyn Marable (Columbia), Nate Fleming (Vanderbilt), Elijah Fernandez (Memphis)
- CPA: Owen Cabell (Vanderbilt)
- Ensworth: Eli Wilt (Western Kentucky), Taylor Hasselbeck (Wyoming), Justin Hopkins (Minnesota)
- Davidson Academy: Josh Bolden (Southern Illinois)
- DCA: Carson Sneed (North Carolina)
- Lipscomb Academy: Travis Wakefield (Auburn)
- Nashville Christian: Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt), KeAndre Gibson (Arkansas State)
- MBA: Hugh Price (Southern Mississippi)
For Sneed, the road to Chapel Hill is just beginning. But with his size, skill set, and mindset, he’s not just another name on a signing list. He’s a player built for the moment - and ready to make his mark.