Four-star quarterback Bryce Baker is sticking with UNC after Belichick’s hiring.
Just days after Bill Belichick’s surprising appointment as North Carolina’s new head coach, he secured the commitment of a key quarterback recruit for the “Chapel Bill” era.
Four-star quarterback Bryce Baker has confirmed his decision to sign with the Tar Heels, according to reports from On3’s Hayes Fawcett and ESPN’s Eli Lederman. Although Baker had originally committed to UNC, he was contemplating switching to Penn State. Belichick’s hiring helped solidify Baker’s decision to stay with North Carolina.
According to ESPN, Baker and Belichick had a phone conversation on Thursday night, shortly after the new head coach was introduced. During their talk, they discussed Belichick’s plans for leading the Tar Heels, including his goal of running a “pro program.”
Baker shared his thoughts with ESPN, saying, “Their experience in the NFL is huge. They’ve been at the level I’m trying to reach. I think that sets them apart from a lot of other schools. They want to develop me, and they understand the details that will help me achieve my goals. I believe (Belichick) will bring in the right players to build around me. They’re going to make me a priority.”
Ranked as the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback in his recruiting class by ESPN, Baker has been the top recruit in North Carolina’s incoming class since his initial commitment in June 2023. He committed under the previous head coach, Mack Brown, but began reconsidering his options after Brown’s firing on November 26.
Now, with Belichick on board, Baker has chosen to remain committed to North Carolina, positioning himself as the potential future quarterback under the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach.
