"Don’t overthink this one": Fans react to Bill Belichick's pitch to recruit four-star EDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes at UNC

Four-star edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes has become one of the most sought-after uncommitted prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The Rolesville High School (North Carolina) standout gained unprecedented attention on Monday when UNC head coach and NFL legend Bill Belichick visited him alongside assistant director of player personnel Andrew Blaylock.

This makes Griffin-Haynes the first prospect to get a visit from Belichick since joining the Tar Heels, and the prospect delivered an overwhelming post on X, writing:

"How we looking UNC Fans ?? @UNCFootball @BlaylockAndrew #GDTBATH 🐏."

Getting recruited by an eight-time Super Bowl Champion coach like Belichick is like a dream come true moment for many recruits. After closing the 2024 season with a 6-7 record, UNC fans are expecting a better season under Belichick, and they also didn’t hold back in their recruitment pitches for Griffin-Haynes.

"Bill Belichick wants you bro. Don’t overthink this one," a fan said.

"A great Coach to ready you for the NFL," another fan said.

"Bill gave it to you straight up. I hope you're smart enough to listen. He's got more Championship Rings than anyone who'll show up to your living room," one fan said.

Griffin-Haynes initially committed to UNC on Sept. 8 while under former coach Mack Brown but backed off his pledge on Nov. 25 following Brown's firing. Since then, he has explored other programs, including Georgia, Florida State and Ohio State, while keeping UNC in the mix. Now, the Tar Heels fans want him back at the school.

"Black forces. Automatic high value target need him at Carolina," one fan said.

"Looks like the move! Get to stay home and play for the best HC of all time," another fan said.

"Looks like a solid future," one fan said.

The On3 Industry Rankings place Griffin-Haynes as the nation’s No. 17 edge rusher in the 2026 class and No. 178 prospect in the nation.

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Can UNC secure Zavion Griffin-Haynes' commitment for the second time?

Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins is recruiting Zavion Griffin-Haynes at UNC. Despite his initial decommitment from the Tar Heels, the school is still considered one of the leaders in his recruitment, and On3 gives them a 70.4% chance in this regard due to the addition of Bill Belichick to the coaching staff.

“Just the change of the program,” Griffin-Haynes told On3. “How the NFL caliber comes apart (of it) and how the program (will) grow into a championship program.”

Belichick developed multiple big players in the NFL, including the GOAT Tom Brady, and he made sure to use his track record of success to recruit Griffin-Haynes.

“He told me I’m an NFL player I gotta do what it takes to get there and coming to UNC he will make sure I’m in the right position too,” Griffin-Haynes said.

UNC has only one commit in the 2026 class, three-star quarterback Zaid Lott. However, Belichick has started visiting prospects, which means the number can skyrocket anytime.