COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Prior to last fall, North Carolina head coach Roy Williams hadn't been in Columbus to recruit a player since 1997.

In less than a year, the North Carolina head man has offered two Pickerington Central prospects, as rising junior point guard Jeremiah Francis was the latest to add a Tar Heel offer on Wednesday night.

Francis spoke exclusively to 270 Hoops just moments after getting the call from Williams.

"I was honestly shocked when he called," Francis told 270 Hoops. "It definitely changes things as far as my recruitment."

After heavy evaluation in the July live period, North Carolina pulled the trigger in offering the Pickerington Central floor general. Months after reeling in center Sterling Manley from the Tigers, North Carolina is looking to do the same with Francis. 

As the first blue blood program to come calling for Francis, the Tar Heels left a great impression on the No. 60 player in the country according to ESPN's latest 2019 rankings.

"I feel like I am a perfect fit in the North Carolina system," Francis said. "Coach Williams compared me to Ty Lawson in the way I defend the perimeter and push the tempo."

With nearly 20 offers in total now, Francis is looking to narrow his options very soon.

"I think that I will narrow down my list in October," Francis told 270 Hoops. 

While not sure of the number of teams that will remain by the fall, Francis is adamant that North Carolina will remain among the top.

"They are tops on my list," Francis said.  "I just feel blessed just to talk to a coach that has four national titles, more than 800 wins, multiple lottery picks. To hear him on the phone, it's a blessing to even talk to him."

With his former front court anchor in Manley on the Chapel Hill campus, Francis has been able to get great insight to how the 7-foot freshman is doing at North Carolina thus far.

"Sterling loves it there," Francis said. "Coach Williams said he has to get used to playing fast, but he's coming along well, blocking shots and controlling the paint. Coach Williams said once he gets that pace and tempo, he's going to be really good."

With Wednesday's offer, North Carolina seems to think the very same of Francis.