Bill Belichick and UNC successfully changed a former Cincinnati WR commit's mind

In early May, it seemed as if three-star wide receiver Chad Willis' recruitment had officially came to a close.

The Orchard Lake, Michigan native announced his commitment to play college football at Cincinnati, but two weeks later, two major wrenches in the operation appeared.

Those two wrenches were Auburn and North Carolina, both of whom jumped into the mix to land the talented playmaker. In a wise move, Willis took time to evaluate the new options available to him, making visits to all three campuses before coming to a decision on his future.

Fortunately, that decision is leading Willis to Chapel Hill.

Chad Willis flips his commitment from Cincinnati to UNC

Inside Carolina first reported that Willis has flipped his commitment in favor of North Carolina, which held the final visit of his three-campus tour over the last few weekends. He becomes the 18th player from the Class of 2027 to pledge to the Tar Heels, joining both Amare Patterson and Anthony Williams as wide receivers set to join this class.

With a 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame, Willis is a big-body receiver who can make things happen when his team needs a big play. Andrew Ivins, the Director of Scouting at 247Sports, had this to say regarding what Willis brings to the table:

-Big, outside target that fits the bill of a modern possession wide receiver.
-Came in right around 6-foot-3, 215 pounds spring before senior season after adding significant mass.
-Crafty with his releases and can create quick separation.
-Powers his way through contact and gets large at the catch point.
-Understands how to use the sideline to his advantage on out-breaking routes.
-Gives effort as a blocker on the perimeter.
-Might not profile as a true burner, but the ability to make tough catches in traffic shouldn’t be ignored.
-Projects as a potential multi-year contributor and likely starter at the Power Four level.

Sure, the speedy, flashy guys are the ones that tend to catch everyone's attention, but it's the bigger skilled guys, like Willis, who make the big difference. Not only can he affect the game as a pass catcher but is a good blocking wide receiver as well, a skillset that should fit in nicely at North Carolina, a university known to like to run the football.

UNC football entered the mix late but found a way to land a dynamic 2027 playmaker

While stars can fool you, Willis could be one of those guys who ends up outplaying his high school ranking. Bill Belichick and his staff have been targeting playmakers since they've stepped foot on campus and have done a solid job in bringing in some quality pass catchers to help provide some offensive spark.

The Tar Heels have to be excited about the trio of wide receivers they currently have committed to the Class of 2027, a group that has the potential to be long-term fixtures at the position for many seasons to come. Willis' path to Chapel Hill might not be as clear as other guys who committed before him, but the main goal has been achieved: bringing another talented football player to North Carolina.

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