UConn standout leaves for Bill Belichick’s UNC after dominating them in Fenway Bowl

The UConn Huskies dominated the UNC Tar Heels in the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 28, winning 27-14. Defensive lineman Pryce Yates was a big part of the Huskies' success in that game and throughout the season. Conversely, the Tar Heels largely struggled this season.

However, with legendary head coach Bill Belichick signing a five-year, $50 million contract to become the team's next coach, some high-profile players are expected to join the squad. Now, reports have surfaced that Pryce Yates has decided to transfer to North Carolina.

Yates had entered the transfer portal in the off-season and was fielding offers from several teams. However, according to ESPN insider Max Olson, he is expected to transfer to North Carolina. He is one of the first major acquisitions for Bill Belichick since signing his contract.

"UConn DL Pryce Yates is expected to transfer to North Carolina, ESPN has learned. Yates earned Fenway Bowl defensive MVP honors after recording a sack and 3 TFLs in a win over UNC. Now he's joining the Tar Heels."

This was Yates' third season with UConn. Although he had a strong finish to the season, especially in the Fenway Bowl where he had six total tackles and a sack, he struggled with injuries early in the season. As a result, he did not make his season debut until Oct. 19 and only appeared in seven games this year.

Bill Belichick has started recruiting rounds for UNC

Bill Belichick was only hired a month ago, but he is already starting to have an impact on UNC. He has started his recruiting rounds in North Carolina.

The celebrated coach reportedly visited several schools in the triangle area on Monday, including Rolesville High School, South Garner High School and Jordan High School.

Notably, he met with four-star edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes at his high school. Griffin-Haynes had previously committed to UNC but de-committed in late November. However, after a visit from Belichick, UNC seems to be back in the running.

"He was telling me stuff coaches never told me," Griffin-Haynes said, as per Rivals' Sam Spiegelman (h/t Sporting News). "Showing me stuff about my game, and just telling me stuff about the NFL and the program's come up."

Belichick seems to be adapting well to the lifestyle of a college football coach. Along with making trips to recruit high school players, he has had success in the transfer portal with Pryce Yates. It will be interesting to see what impact that has on the field for North Carolina next season.