Published Dec 14, 2024
UNC, Bill Belichick sign top 100 quarterback Bryce Baker
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Adam Friedman  •  Rivals.com
Rankings Director and National Transfer Portal Analyst
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@RivalsFriedman

Bill Belichick just got his first big win as head coach at North Carolina. Top 100 quarterback Bryce Baker has announced he is signing with the Tar Heels.

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"I definitely feel like with him coming to UNC I feel like I'm coming into an even better situation," Baker said. "There are still the original reasons I committed before - the relationships and the camaraderie with the teammates I built already. I feel like their ability to develop is better now because they have that NFL experience and I trust that Coach Belichick will bring in top guys - teammates and coaches - to help develop me.

Baker actually announced his commitment to North Carolina in June of last year and held to that commitment despite other teams trying to pry him away from the Tar Heels.

"I just feel like he is going to utilize the resources around him," he said. "He'll bring in a great coaching staff to help with adapting to new circumstances and new scenarios. Along with that, I feel like he's done his research during his year off to be ready for the opportunity in college."

When Mack Brown was fired as North Carolina's head coach in late November, Baker decided to wait to sign until after he found out who would be their next head coach. Penn State was able to get Baker to take a visit on November 30th for their final game of the regular season against Maryland but they weren't able to flip him this late in the recruiting process.

"I want to get on campus as soon as possible to prepare myself for the opportunity," said Baker. "I'm planning on signing on Wednesday. Hopefully I'll be able to leave for college this Thursday with enough stuff for practice and the bowl game. I'll officially move in on January 4th."

This season Baker threw for 3,523 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just five interceptions while completing 74.8-percent of his passes.