Bill Belichick visits several Massachusetts schools on recruiting trip for UNC
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was in Massachusetts this week to recruit players to North Carolina.
Patriots
Bill Belichick visited several schools on Thursday, including Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood.
Bill Belichick made a trip up to Massachusetts this week to recruit players. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
By Conor Ryan
January 23, 2025
2 minutes to read
Bill Belichick may not call Foxborough home these days.
But the Patriots legend and current head coach of UNC made a return to Massachusetts this week to recruit several promising football players for his program.
Belichick visited at least four schools in the area on Thursday: St. Sebastian’s in Needham, Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, and Arlington High School.
Taking to X, St. Seb’s junior Marky Walbridge announced that he received an offer from the Tar Heels as part of Belichick’s visit.
“Wow! After an incredible visit from Coach Belichick, I am truly blessed to have received an offer from the University of North Carolina!,” Walbridge posted.
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Walbridge, a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle, is currently tabbed as the No. 3 Massachusetts football player in the Class of 2026 (per 247Sports) — with the lineman also receiving offers from Boston College, Duke, Michigan, and several other programs.
During his trip to Dexter Southfield, Belichick also met with offensive tackle Lenneil Hall, who 247Sports lists as the top Massachusetts prospect in the ‘26 class.
Belichick also took a photo with Arlington offensive lineman Brady Bekkenhuis, listed as the No. 5 football prospect in 247Sports’ Massachusetts rankings. Bekkenhuis already announced his commitment to another ACC school last year, joining Bill O’Brien and the Boston College Eagles in August 2024.
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In a far-from-shocking development, O’Brien and the Eagles have cornered the market on homegrown football talent in the Commonwealth, with five of the top eight Massachusetts prospects on 247Sports committed to BC.
But a coach with Belichick’s credentials could make some inroads if he continues to make treks up to New England.
After weeks of rumors regarding Belichick and his potential departure from UNC in hopes of landing another NFL gig, Belichick quieted some of that talk this week by officially signing his contract with the Tar Heels.
UNC released details of Belichick’s contract on Thursday, with the former Patriots head coach signed to a five-year deal with the college — although only the first three years are guaranteed with $10 million per year in base and supplemental salary.
There is a $10 million buyout in Belichick’s contract, with that lofty number dropping to $1 million after June.
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