Bill Belichick Gets First UNC Win, Football Recruiting Flip, Bryson Howard Visits

Plus: Behind the scenes at basketball practice, Hubert Davis visits Cole Cloer, Olympic sports' undefeated weekend, women's hoops recruiting, and more

UNC Running Back Charleston French Evades a Charlotte Defender | Photo: Chapelboro.com

It was an undefeated weekend for UNC Athletics. Bill Belichick recorded his first football victory for the Tar Heels. No. 2 Field Hockey went 2-0, including a top-10 road win. Women’s Soccer outscored their opponents 7-0 in two victories. Men’s Soccer battled No. 5 NC State to a draw. And Volleyball won twice to start the season 4-0. On to the updates…

Football

The Tar Heels overcame their season-opening setback, beating Charlotte 20-3 to secure Bill Belichick’s first college victory. It wasn’t the prettiest offensive display, with the conservative play calling. But that’s been the hallmark of Belichick teams, at least at the NFL level. Hopefully Gio Lopez will get the chance to show more of his dual-threat capabilities once the offensive line gets back to full strength.

…and running back Demon June needs more carries. He looks like the team’s best running back after his performance against Charlotte.

Demon June | Photo: Jim Hawkins, Inside Carolina

UNC’s defense allowed just 3 points, which was the fewest points Carolina has allowed in a game since shutting out Idaho in 2012. We’ll see if that was a sign of improvement over Week 1 or just a matter of lesser competition.

Off the field, Belichick has banned New England Patriots scouts from attending UNC practices. This comes across as petty, a disservice to players, and something likely to be used against UNC on the recruiting trail. But Belichick defended his position last week, stating “I’m not welcome around their facility, they aren’t welcome in ours.“

Former UNC and current Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams scored the NFL’s first touchdown of the season on Thursday night, and two total TDs in a loss to the Eagles.

New England quarterback Drake Maye passed for 287 yards and a touchdown on 30 of 46 passing, but had a frustrating day otherwise in the Patriots’ loss to the Raiders.

Check out the complete Week 1 rundown of Tar Heels in the NFL from R.L. Bynum at Tar Heel Tribune.

Former UNC wide receiver JJ Jones, who appealed to the NCAA for another season of eligibility in hopes of playing for Bill Belichick, has signed with the Edmonton Elks of the CFL after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Football Recruiting