Drake Maye reacts as Bill Belichick receives his first commitment at UNC in four-star QB Bryce Baker to the Class of 2025

By Maliha

Modified Dec 15, 2024 12:53 GMT

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New North Carolina coach Bill Belichick landed his first recruit on Saturday, as four-star Bryce Baker reaffirmed his commitment to the Tar Heels after flirting with Penn State and LSU for weeks. The standout from East Forsyth High School in North Carolina had been committed to the school since last year.

The big recruitment win sparked a reaction from North Carolina alum and current New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who reshared the recruitment post in his Instagram story.

North Carolina is starting a new era under Belichick, who secured multiple Super Bowl titles with his two-decade career with the Patriots. Though Maye also attended North Carolina before being drafted by the Patriots, he never crossed paths with Belichick.

However, Maye made sure to leave a comment on Belichick's arrival.

"What a great place Chapel Hill is," Maye told The Mirror US. "Anytime you have a legendary NFL coach going back to college I think it’s cool, it’s pretty interesting for me."

Maye compiled 8,018 passing yards, 63 touchdowns and an additional 1,209 rushing yards in his illustrious college career at UNC. Now, Baker will be in the limelight to lead the school to greatness.

Bryce Baker threw for 3,099 yards and 36 touchdowns with just four interceptions while adding six rushing scores this year as a senior. He also excelled on the basketball court and earned all-district honors last year.

Bryce Baker opens up about his commitment to North Carolina

Bryce Baker initially committed under former North Carolina coach Mack Brown. While he was looking at other options, a Thursday night phone call with Bill Belichick solidified his commitment.

“I just feel like with Belichick coming in they can provide that next-level development I didn’t have the opportunity to have with other options I was looking at,” Baker told On3. “Belichick coming from the NFL and the first-hand experience he has for what it takes to be the best."

Belichick’s NFL pedigree stood out to Baker, who praised the coach’s ability to prepare players for success at the highest level. During their conversation, the 6-foot-2.25, 200-pound quarterback asked Belichick about his plans to reshape North Carolina’s culture.

“He just explained how he was going to run it like an NFL place,” Baker said. “He knows there’s differences in college and the NFL but he will have that next-level accountability he’s going to hold the team to. I think that’s going to help with the culture shift."

The Tar Heels’ new direction under Belichick aligns with Baker’s competitive spirit. While Belichick may bring in a transitional quarterback to bridge the gap, the Kernersville, North Carolina, native is confident in the program’s investment in his development.

Bryce Baker joins fellow in-state commits, offensive tackle Trey Blue and running back Demon June, in North Carolina. He is set to arrange a signing ceremony on Dec. 18 before enrolling in the program next month.