Charlotte strengthened its 2027 recruiting class Friday by flipping one of North Carolina’s top wide receivers. Providence Day standout Ethan Dempsey announced on social media that he has changed his commitment from Temple to Charlotte, roughly two weeks after originally pledging to the Owls.
“After a lot of long prayers and conversations with my family I have decided to flip my commitment to @unccharlotte. I’m staying home‼️,” Dempsey wrote in his announcement on X.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound receiver is currently rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ranks as the No. 47 overall player in North Carolina, the state’s No. 7 wide receiver and the No. 177 receiver nationally.
Dempsey becomes one of two current three-star commitments in Charlotte’s 2027 recruiting class and is among the highest-rated prospects to pledge to the 49ers thus far.
Dempsey committed to Temple on June 12 after taking an official visit to Philadelphia a week earlier. Charlotte, however, remained in the mix throughout his recruitment after extending an offer during the spring.
The Gold Hill native transferred to Providence Day before the 2025 season after beginning his high school career at Mount Pleasant.
Playing in a Chargers offense loaded with Division I talent, Dempsey caught 29 passes for 513 yards and seven touchdowns while helping Providence Day finish 13-0 and capture the NCISAA Division I state championship. He also rushed for two touchdowns and averaged more than 21 yards per kickoff return.
Despite sharing targets with future Clemson receiver Gordon Sellars and Davidson signee Brendan Ravin, Dempsey emerged as one of the state’s top 2027 receiving prospects.
Before transferring to Providence Day, Dempsey accounted for nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards and 26 touchdowns at Mount Pleasant in 2024, earning conference player of the year honors and second-team all-state recognition. He began his varsity career as a safety before expanding into roles at wide receiver and running back.
Charlotte beat out a list of reported scholarship offers that included East Carolina, Memphis, Campbell, Elon, North Carolina A&T, Fordham, Richmond and VMI.
Dempsey’s flip gives the 49ers a total of 12 commitments for its 2027 class as of June 26, including three from North Carolina. 247Sports ranks the 49ers class at No. 111 nationally.
👉 Charlotte Football Recruiting Tracker: View every player who has committed to the Demon Deacons for the 2027 cycle.
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