Even after adding a significant quarterback, Bill Belichick is reportedly pursuing another notable player in the transfer portal.
Earlier this week, South Alabama’s Gio Lopez committed to North Carolina. He’d presumably have the upper hand to start over a returning Max Johnson and true freshman Bryce Baker in Chapel Hill.
However, Belichick may still want to add more competition. According to Chris Hummer and John Talty of CBS Sports, Jaden Rashada will visit North Carolina on Wednesday,
Following reports that Nico Iamaleava is expected to transfer to UCLA, Rashada is 247Sports’ top-ranked quarterback in the portal. His four career touchdowns match the number of schools he’s committed to during a highly eventful recruiting trail.
As a touted high school prospect, Rashada made major waves by flipping from Miami to Florida. But after signing with the Gators, he requested to get out of his letter of intent, claiming the school failed to meet its NIL promises.
Rashada later sued Billy Napier and a prominent Florida booster. The lawsuit claimed he received a letter “purporting to terminate” a $13.85 million contract days after he flipped to Florida.
Rashada transferred to Arizona State, where he saw his only limited playing time. The former four-star recruit completed 44 of 82 passes for 485 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in three games.
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Last year, Rashada transferred to Georgia with hopes of eventually replacing Carson Beck. Before Beck transferred to Rashada’s original commitment, Miami, Gunner Stockton replaced him in the SEC Championship Game and College Football Playoff.
Falling down the depth chart compelled Rashada to seek yet another new home. North Carolina would be a surprising choice days after Belichick landed a potential QB1.
Lopez completed 66.0 percent of his passes for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five picks as a redshirt freshman at South Alabama last season. He could face a murkier path to starting reps if Lopez follows him to Chapel Hill.
As a six-time Super Bowl champion, Belichick probably doesn’t want to waste much time building a contender. The 73-year-old aims to create a pro-style program in the ACC.
Related: Report: College Quarterback Declined Lucrative Offer From Tennessee
