Eli Liederman, ESPN Staff Writer
Four-star quarterback Bryce Baker has committed to North Carolina and plans to sign with the Tar Heels under new coach Bill Belichick, he told ESPN on Saturday.
The No. 4 dual-threat passer in his class, Baker has been a top member of North Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class since June 2023. However, Baker did not sign with the Tar Heels during the early signing period on December 4th. North Carolina remained in touch with Penn State and LSU during its weeks-long leadership search, which ended Wednesday with the conditional hiring of the 72-year-old Belichick. 5 year contract.
Baker told ESPN that his decision to remain with the Tar Heels was solidified in a phone conversation with Belichick on Thursday night, hours after the six-time Super Bowl champion’s induction press conference. Baker said his conversations with Belichick focused on the coach’s “pro” vision for the program, from player development to training to the coaching staff Belichick plans to bring to Chapel Hill.
“Their NFL experience is huge,” Baker said. “They’re at the level that I’m trying to get to. I feel like that’s the difference from a lot of other schools. They want to develop me and help me reach my goals. I know the intricacies that help.” I feel like (Belichick) brings the right pieces to build around me. They will give me priority. ”
Baker, a 6-foot-3 passer from Kernersville, North Carolina, is ESPN’s No. 193 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle. He was a two-year starter at East Forsyth (N.C.) High School, totaling 3,099 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, four interceptions and six rushing scores in his senior season this fall, leading the program to a 13-1 record. Finished.
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Baker, who originally signed under former coach Mack Brown, told ESPN that he plans to hold a signing ceremony on Dec. 18 and enroll at the University of North Carolina in January. Baker, one of three unsigned members of the Tar Heels’ 2025 class entering this week, was an important early acquisition win for Belichick.
Despite Brown’s departure in late November, Baker maintained his desire to join the Tar Heels this month. But Baker kept his options open amid the uncertainty at UNC. He visited Penn State on Nov. 30 and told ESPN that his scouting decisions were from the Tar Heels and Nittany Lions.
Baker developed close relationships with Brown and other members of the Tar Heels’ previous staff, especially former offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, during his first 17 months with the program. By Thursday night, North Carolina was a very different program than Baker had started with, so Baker entered the conversation with Belichick with a list of questions regarding development and the direction of the program. I entered.
Baker said Belichick did not reveal any specific plans for replenishing the offensive line, but said the discussions were positive and made Baker confident in his future with the Tar Heels.
“I have to trust that he’s going to bring in the right items and the right staff to help me until I’m successful,” Baker said. “I want to grow and be as prepared as I can be so that when the opportunity comes, I’m ready to grab it.”
With Baker’s transfer, the Tar Heels’ next class of unsigned prospects include four-star defensive end Austin Alexander (No. 298 on ESPN 300) and in-state three-star running back Damon June. will remain. North Carolina offensive linemen Austin Blaske and Aidan Banfield withdrew their names from the transfer portal Thursday following Belichick’s addition.
“My initial feelings are very mixed,” Alexander told ESPN this week. “There’s excitement and surprise. I’m just curious to see what happens. There’s no timeline. I’m just taking it one day at a time.”
Belichick’s approach to recruiting and the ultimate extent of his appeal on the trail have become some of the biggest questions surrounding his first foray into college football late in a nearly 50-year coaching career. . In addition to rounding out the remainder of the Tar Heels’ 2025 high school class, Belichick and his staff have several plans for next fall, considering the overall needs of the defense and potential additions at quarterback. is expected to turn to the transfer portal to fill a starting role.
“Their experience in the NFL is huge. They’re at the level that I’m trying to get to. I think that’s what separates them from a lot of other schools.”
Bryce Baker on Bill Belichick and North Carolina’s new staff
Belichick said Thursday that he intends to run a “pro program” at the University of North Carolina, stepping into the world of college football at a time when college football personnel departments are rapidly transitioning to an NFL-style front office model. . But recruiting at the high school level remains a relationship game, and success with the Tar Heels depends on how well Belichick’s eye for talent and roster construction translates from the NFL to major college football. It will be important.
“He was very calm and very knowledgeable. He gave long answers to explain terminology,” Baker said. “…They’re going to bring in more top players. They’re going to go after the best coaches. And they’re going to be more disciplined on and off the field.”
