North Carolina has landed the first commitment in its 2028 recruiting class, as shortstop Tyler Jackson announced his pledge to the Diamond Heels on Tuesday. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Mebane, N.C. native attends Southeastern Alamance High School and plays his travel ball with the Dirtbags National 2028 squad. Primary shortstop on defense, plays well on the move, changes his arm slots well and makes strong accurate throws, skills to play around the infield. His father, Scott Jackson, spent six seasons on Mike Fox’s coaching staff from 2009-15 before serving as Liberty’s head coach from 2016-24. He returned to Chapel Hill in 2025 and is now entering his third season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator under head coach Scott Forbes.