Amari Gainer has made two important decisions regarding his college football career.

1. His first five years ago was family tradition when he signed with Florida State out of Chiles High.

2. His second last December was business when he entered the transfer portal and committed to North Carolina.

Gainer believes he made the best possible choices.

“It was always my dream to play at Florida State. My dad (Herb) played there," Gainer old the Democrat.

"And I am proud of what I was able to help accomplish, sticking through the process. It wasn't easy (to leave.) But North Carolina is the best place for me at this stage of my career. It was a business decision.

“I am back playing my natural position, being active, being able to run and play fast.”

Amari Gainer to rely on speed, athleticism and toughness at UNC

With one year of eligibility remaining, Gainer − known for his speed, hence his nickname 'Amari Ferrari,' athleticism and toughness −is expected to play a key role in the Tar Heels’ defense at outside linebacker this season.

Assistant Head Coach for Defense Gene Chizik’s unit needs a playmaking boost after it struggled under Chizik in his first season in 2022. UNC ranked 128th nationally among 131 teams on the FBS level in sacks (1.2 per game), 116th in total defense (436.5 yards per game) and 102nd in scoring defense (30.8 points per game).

Gainer, a 6-foot-3, 235-pounder, appeared in 46 games over five seasons at FSU, starting 18. He recorded 19 tackles for loss and left the program as its active leading tackler after primarily playing on the inside for the Seminoles.

With quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Drake Maye returning, UNC and coach Mack Brown are searching for explosive contributions on both sides of the ball. The Tar Heels (9-5) started 9-1 last season but dropped their final four games. That included the ACC Championship game against Clemson (39-10) and Holiday Bowl against Oregon (28-27).

Herb Gainer, a former receiver at FSU from 1984-87 who has resided in Tallahassee since his playing days, admitted it was different to see his son (and himself) in Carolina blue.

Yet he’s also proud Amari helped rebuild FSU and left the program on good terms; navigated the NCAA transfer portal; and found a program that suits him athletically and academically.

Gainer visited Cincinnati and West Virginia before he made an on-campus visit to UNC during the Tar Heels' Holiday Bowl preparations. Gainer also talked with Ohio State and Alabama about how he might fit into their defensive schemes.

After he spent time with the Tar Heels, however, Gainer knew where he wanted to sign.

“He loves it, I love it, and we (family) love it,” Herb Gainer said.

“As I told him, it’s a 12-month deal. Amari had to do what was best for him and we let him make his own decision. It’s also an opportunity for him - which I like - to be out of Tallahassee and on his own. It’s different voices, different coaches and different eyes on him.

"It has worked out great.”

Amari Gainer still pulls for his former Florida State teammates

When Gainer recently returned home, he stopped by FSU and visited his former teammates. He was also looking forward to receiving his ring from the Seminoles' 35-32 win over Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl.

FSU (10-3) clinched its first 10-win season since 2016 and first bowl win since 2017 under coach Mike Norvell.

"For me, it's like handing over the torch," said Gainer, who was signed by Jimbo Fisher and played for coaches Willie Taggart, interim coach Odell Haggins and Norvell, in addition to multiple defensive coordinators.

"I will always remember my time at FSU, what we went through and helped build. We are brothers for life. It's more than about football. I deeply care about them."

Of course, Gainer's allegiance now is with UNC and helping the Tar Heels win.

While FSU and UNC aren't schedule to meet this regular season, there's always a chance the teams could play in the ACC Championship. The ACC last summer became the latest conference to scrap divisions in favor of a new scheduling format. 2022 was the final year of the Atlantic and Coastal divisions. (Clemson won the Atlantic, UNC the Coastal).

This season the league will pit the two teams with the best league record against each other in the conference title game. With is bevy of returning starters and key transfer portal additions, FSU is the preseason favorite to win the ACC, according to odds from Caesars Sportsbook. UNC ranked fourth behind Clemson and Louisville.

Gainer is expected to add a veteran presence to the Tar Heels. And father Herb pointed out ever since his son played flag football, "he's always wanted to chase the quarterback."

UNC opens its season against South Carolina Sept. 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina, on ABC.

"I love it here - everyone is genuine and the environment is nice," Gainer said.

"We have a veteran coach (in Mack Brown), experience and leadership. I wanted to be part of an established team where I could come in and be a part of and help win. I feel comfortable here. It's really exciting and I am looking forward (to season)."

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Outside linebacker Amari Gainer looks to make impact on UNC defense