"It was a tough choice between these schools but I'm going to be a Tar Heel," he said as he put on a UNC hat.
The 6-1, 220-pound linebacker from Virginia Beach (Va.) Kempsville chose the Tar Heels over finalists Clemson, Virginia Tech, Maryland. He also entertained offers from LSU, Michigan, Oregon Southern Cal, Tennessee and many others.
"I picked the Tar Heels because I have such a great bond with Coach Butch Davis," Hughes said. "I talked to him more than any other coach and I have great continuity with the team and the players."
Hughes had a stellar senior season on both sides of the ball, with 1,240 yards (7.51 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns at running back, and 101 tackles with five sacks from his linebacker position. In the final game of his senior season he set a district record with 354 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 24 carries.
Hughes totaled 3,804 yards rushing and 47 touchdowns for his high school career, plus 291 tackles and 20 sacks.
Scout.com ranks Hughes as a five-star prospect and the No. 4 middle linebacker in the nation. He has been selected to the Under-Armour All-American Bowl, the Chesapeake Bowl and the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.
"I feel their recruiting class fits me and the school does as well," Hughes added.
Travis Hughes Profile