Bill Belichick secures Penn State transfer for North Carolina

North Carolina's head football coach, Bill Belichick, is making changes to the team's defense. He recently secured a commitment from Smith Vilbert, a sixth-year senior transfer from Penn State. The spring transfer portal window will open later, but Belichick is getting an early start. Vilbert is a seasoned player who has faced injuries during his career. He has played in 35 games, with his best seasons being 2021 and last year, when he recorded a total of 12 tackles and four tackles for loss. Although his stats may not be impressive, his experience is valuable for a North Carolina defense that has struggled a lot recently. Last season, North Carolina's defense ranked 89th in scoring, allowing 28.1 points per game. The team also gave up an average of 375.8 yards per game, indicating a pressing need for improvement. Belichick, along with his son Steve Belichick, who is the defensive coordinator, is focused on reshaping this struggling unit. Vilbert is the latest addition to a group of 18 transfers joining the Tar Heels for the 2024 season. Since taking over in December, Belichick has been working on building a stronger team through recruiting and the transfer portal. Currently, North Carolina ranks 19th in transfer portal standings, and they are expected to continue making moves as the portal reopens next month.