Belichick recruits top prospect Trashawn Ruffin to UNC

Bill Belichick, the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, has made a significant addition to his team by recruiting Trashawn Ruffin, a four-star defensive tackle from Texas. Ruffin, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 305 pounds, was previously committed to Texas A&M but has decided to join his home state's college team. Ruffin is ranked number 238 in the ESPN Junior 300 and is considered the top prospect for North Carolina's incoming class. This marks an important achievement for Belichick as it is his first full recruitment cycle in college football. Belichick became the head coach of North Carolina in December 2023 after a long and successful career with the New England Patriots. Over his 23 years with the team, he led them to six Super Bowl victories. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to coach at UNC, recalling his childhood experiences with college football through his father, who was also a coach. Belichick's annual salary is reportedly $10 million, along with performance-related bonuses. These bonuses could add up significantly based on team achievements, such as winning games and reaching the College Football Playoff. North Carolina is currently 13-7 and ranked sixth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. University officials, including Chancellor Lee H. Roberts, have praised Belichick's hiring as a step towards excellence in both academics and athletics, emphasizing their commitment to provide the best experience for student-athletes.