Bill Belichick coached some outstanding tight ends during his NFL coaching career.
If you're a high school athlete who is considering the UNC football program as a potential destination, you'd definitely think that tidbit would play a role in the final decision-making.
Whatever Belichick and the UNC football program said to this former Purdue commit worked, as he flipped his commitment to the Tar Heels on the first day of the Early Signing Period.
Dream Rashad, YOU are a Tar Heel!
Dream Rashad, a Buford, Georgia native, changed his mind on where he wants to call his future home. The 6-foot-7, 235-pounder decided to take his talents to Chapel Hill, joining the largest recruiting class in UNC football history.
TE Dream Rashad of Buford (Ga.) flips his commitment from #Purdue to #UNC: "I got that close-knit type of family vibe on campus. Of course they also have coach Bill Belichick ... And TE is an important part of what they want to do on offense." https://t.co/DGv8Qwb4Lp pic.twitter.com/JAI8ucJIpx
— Anna Adams (@AnnaH247) December 3, 2025
Rashad originally committed to Purdue in June, choosing the Boilermakers over other programs such as Florida Atlantic, Marshall, South Florida, and UNLV. North Carolina firmly jumped into the mix in late October, extending an offer his way while encouraging him to take a visit to Chapel Hill for the team's final home game of the 2025 regular season.
The mid-three-star tight end made that trip, one that made a huge impact in swaying his final decision.
What to know about Dream Rashad
Rashad originally played quarterback but transitioned to play tight end. While only making 16 catches, Rashad found a way to find the end zone on three occasions, as his raw ability at the position makes him a very enticing prospect for Bill Belichick's staff to work with.
With his frame, Rashad could easily be a matchup nightmare as a pass-catcher.
It's important to note that Dream also has a younger brother, Seven, who is among the Class of 2027. He, like his older brother, committed to Purdue this summer, but he could be a potential flip candidate that the UNC football program could pursue.
The start of the Early Signing Period has been a "Dream" for Belichick and the UNC football program, as the future is looking very bright in Chapel Hill.