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Bill Belichick Making Moves for Former UNC Football Recruiting Prize

In-state four-star Zavion Griffin-Haynes toured the UNC football program again after naming the Tar Heels among his new finalists.
Matt Giles|
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Reidsville High School (N.C.) edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes committed to the UNC football program in early September. However, the 6-foot-6, 235-pound four-star prospect backed out of that decision following Mack Brown's firing in late November.

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Now, he's still considering the Tar Heels. In fact, Griffin-Haynes was in Chapel Hill for a visit with first-year UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and his staff on Wednesday.

And the coveted talent, boasting over 40 offers in his recruitment, included the Tar Heels in the top 11 he announced earlier this week. The other finalists are NC State, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Miami, Florida, Notre Dame, Florida State, Ohio State, and LSU.

As things stand, Zavion Griffin-Haynes has locked in only two official visits: to Georgia the first weekend of June and to Florida the following weekend.

He stacks up at No. 225 overall, No. 20 among edge rushers, and No. 14 in North Carolina on the 247Sports 2026 Composite.

Meanwhile, Bill Belichick and his cohorts have already reeled in seven 2026 pledges, enjoying the nation's No. 21-ranked class in the cycle, per 247Sports.

ALSO READ: UNC Advances to Next Round for Top-Four Wide Receiver

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC football recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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