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Keeping It Heel
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Bill Belichick and UNC raid Kansas' recruiting class for a talented cornerback

The Tar Heels made their push and got their guy, adding another talented defender to its 2027 recruiting class.
ByNick Delahanty|
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Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks into the field before the game against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks into the field before the game against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Even though Nazir Pitchford originally was committed to Kansas, Bill Belichick and the UNC football program didn't stop its pursuit of the three-star cornerback.

Pitchford has had quite the recruiting journey. Originally pledging to Kansas State in February, the Palmetto, Florida native flipped his commitment to Kansas just two weeks ago.

Spoiler: his commitment to Kansas didn't last very long.

Since then, Pitchford has kept his options open and even made an official visit to North Carolina, one that swayed his decision once again.

Nazir Pitchford flips his commitment from Kansas to North Carolina

Pitchford becomes the latest Class of 2027 standout to join the Tar Heels' recruiting class, as he becomes the second cornerback prospect from this class to call Chapel Hill his future home.

Ranked as Rivals' No. 124 overall cornerback in the nation, Pitchford becomes the 15th player to join UNC's 2027 recruiting class. He chose to flip his commitment to North Carolina over UCF, another program that has been in heavy pursuit of him over the last few months.

A two-way player during his junior season, Pitchford appeared in seven games for Palmetto High School. On defense, he recorded six tackles, a blocked punt and a pass breakup, while recording 22 catches for 344 and seven touchdowns on the offensive side of the football.

Needless to say, the dude is a playmaker, but his calling in Chapel Hill appears to be at the cornerback position.

Two defensive studs, one day: Bill Belichick and UNC strike again

Sure, recruiting can change in an instant, as guys aren't officially "committed" until they step foot on campus. Pitchford is an example of a common thing we see in today's world of recruiting: guys can change their mind at any given time.

Hopefully, third time is a charm for Pitchford, as UNC would hate to see him re-open his recruitment once again to potentially head elsewhere. For now, he's slated to be a Tar Heel, and the hope is that he decides to stick with that game plan moving forward.

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