JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Signing a scholarship with a Division I football program is a major accomplishment for any high school athlete.

Deciding to play cornerback for the University of North Carolina, in a year when COVID-19 delayed high school sports, made the accomplishment feel even more fulfilling for Jacksonville High School's Tymir Brown and his parents.

“We just built a very strong relationship, and I just feel like it's the best place for me,” Brown says of committing to the Tar Heels.

Since his days playing Pop Warner football, Brown has always excelled on the field.

“Growing up, Ty always seemed a little different than most kids. A lot of toys and stuff he didn't play with, he was always into the sports and determined to win, hated to lose,” said Malton Brown, Tymir's father.

The multi-sport athlete's first love was basketball, but his dominance came on the gridiron.

“He had always had great determination to win,” Malton Brown says.

Tymir Brown's parents, while proud of his athletic accomplishments, are more proud of the person he has become.

“You've been raised to do what's right, you have a mind of your own and use your own mind,” said Tamika Brown, Tymir's mother.

Even though the pandemic delayed his senior season, and he's already committed to lock down receivers at the next level, Tymir Brown will put his body on the line to play beside his teammates for his final year at Jacksonville High School.

“I just want to take another shot at a ring, because we had state runner-up two years ago, and I feel like this is the year we get it,” Brown says.

Brown chose UNC over other schools, including Wake Forest, N.C. State, and Tennessee.