The Tar Heel state let another one get away.

Three-star safety Stephen Griffin out of Charlotte, N.C. committed to Tennessee in March over offers from North Carolina, N.C. State, Duke and Clemson among several others, giving the stiff arm to in-state programs in favor of the SEC.

While he may not be an impact player as a freshman for the Vols, Griffin has the talent to flourish in 2016 one he learns Tennessee’s scheme and adjusts to the college game. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder and son of former Clemson running back Steve Griffin made 73 tackles and picked off three passes this season at South Mecklenburg High.

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Griffin’s commitment was reinforced the first week of December when he made his official visit to Knoxville. Despite a recent full-court press from North Carolina’s staff, Griffin says he appreciated the continued efforts from Vols secondary coach Willie Martinez and felt comfortable with Tennessee.

“It just highlighted everything, the players and then being around the coaches,” Griffin told 247Sports. “It just made me feel comfortable. It just reaffirmed that that’s where I needed to be. It just really felt like home. I just already felt comfortable there, so it was kind of easy. I really feel like I can become the best player I can be, being under Coach Martinez and being around some great athletes.

Griffin will enroll early at Tennessee and is expected to move in this weekend.