Christian Hamilton 2024 UNC Football Player Profile (2024)

Aidan Jensen

August 8, 2024 5:19 pm ET

The North Carolina Tar Heels have a lot of unproven talent at the wide receiver position this fall, something they aren’t used to with the all-stars Mack Brown recruited in recent seasons.

UNC was spoiled by Devontez Walker last year. Even though he missed North Carolina’s first five games, Walker led his teammates with seven receiving touchdowns. Walker is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens, who expect their new rookie to contribute right away

Two seasons ago, Josh Downs delivered one of the best seasons in program history, catching 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. Downs starred in his rookie NFL season last year, finishing second on the Indianapolis Colts in receiving yards (771).

One Tar Heel pass-catcher looking to step up and prove himself this fall is Christian Hamilton, the redshirt freshman from Harrisburg, NC. Hamilton barely played last year, appearing in three games, but he tallied 2,505 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns over four high school seasons.

What does Hamilton’s role look like on North Carolina this fall? He certainly has the talent to see the field on a regular basis, but with the likes of J.J. Jones, Nate McCollum and Kobe Paysour in front of him, the path to playing time might be clogged.

Player Biography

Nov 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Chris Culliver (3) celebrates with wide receiver Christian Hamilton (7) after scoring a toudhdown in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Hometown: Harrisburg, NC

High School: Hickory Ridge

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 190 lbs.

Class: Redshirt Freshman

Hamilton's UNC stats

2023: Appeared in one game (Duke’s Mayo Bowl), catching three passes for 20 yards.

Hamilton's fit on UNC's depth chart

Nov 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Chris Culliver (3) celebrates with wide receivers Christian Hamilton (7) and wide receiver J.J. Jones (5) and tight end Cort Halsey (87) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Hamilton is one of four freshman wide receivers on the 2024 UNC football roster, along with Paul Billups II, Alex Taylor and Jordan Shipp. None of the four are expected to get starting playing time, unless injuries decimate the roster.

I see Hamilton no higher on the depth chart than a backup wide receiver.

Potential fears for Hamilton

Sep 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels offensive graduate assistant Jay Clements (middle) talks with tight end Bryson Nesbit (18) and wide receiver Christian Hamilton (7) and quarterback Drake Maye (10) on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

If Hamilton doesn’t get a ton of playing time this fall, I could see him entering the transfer portal once 2025 hits. This seems to be a popular route for college athletes alike – if more playing time is the goal, I can’t blame them.

Realistic expectations for 2024

Oct 7, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Giovanni Biggers (27) and wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) run out before the first half of the game against the Syracuse Orange at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

I see Hamilton playing in more games this coming season, particularly with the lack of collegiate experience behind Jones, McCollum and Paysour.

If I had to bet on Hamilton’s stat line, I say he reaches 100 yards and catches his first collegiate touchdown.

Looking back at Hamilton as a recruit

Christian Hamilton, of Hickory Ridge High, a 2023 wide receiver recruit before the game with Clemson and Boston College in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Ncaa Football Acc Clemson Boston College

According to Hamilton’s 247Sports Recruiting Profile, he was a 4-star, Class of 2023 recruit who was North Carolina’s 12th-ranked player, the nation’s 49th-ranked wide receiver and 357th overall ranked player. Hamilton chose UNC amongst 30 total offers, including ones from and Clemson.

Hamilton on social media

Sep 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels mascot Rameses XXII during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gameco*cks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

X (Formerly Twitter): @ChristianHam07

Instagram: @d7ggy._