![Florida Gators defensive back Gregory Smith III (30) runs a drill during spring football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_57,w_4017,h_2259/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/206/01jtp3099qpy7stx58ap.jpg "Florida Gators defensive back Gregory Smith III (30) runs a drill during spring football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]")
The projections are now a reality: Gregory Smith III is officially becoming a Tar Heel!
BREAKING: Florida transfer Safety Gregory Smith III has Committed to North Carolina, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 7, 2025
The 6’4 217 S will have 4 years of eligibility remaining
He was the Top Available Player in the Portalhttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/J37a7VhJ6F
Bill Belichick and the UNC football program have secured a commitment from Smith III, a former Florida Gator. He will arrive in Chapel Hill with four seasons of eligibility to work with.
A 6-foot-3, 211-pound safety, Smith III appeared in five games in his true freshman season. He recorded five tackles and one pass breakup in his limited action, as he was able to preserve his redshirt year given his fifth appearance of the season came in the team's bowl game.
While his numbers aren't eye-popping, this information should impress you: Smith III was named the team's Most Improved Freshman following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
A former four-star recruit, Smith III becomes the second former Gator to transfer to North Carolina, following defensive lineman D'Antre Robinson's lead to Chapel Hill.
There was certainly some speculation as his recruitment progressed, as it seemingly felt that the UNC football program had an edge essentially from the start. While some other suitors, such as Purdue and Miami, made strong pushes, North Carolina ended up getting their guy.
The UNC football program is looking to rebuild its roster and has relied on the addition of some young talents with a ton of potential to help lead the process. Smith III definitely falls into that category, as his addition is one that could make a major impact on North Carolina's secondary unit for years to come.