Troy transfer offensive tackle Daniel King made waves in the college football world by committing to the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday evening, as reported by On3’s Pete Nakos. This decision comes at an exciting time for both King and the Tar Heels, especially with the recent changes in the coaching staff.
King joins a revamped offensive line
The 6-foot-5, 340-pound offensive lineman has a remarkable track record, having played 2,642 snaps in his FBS career. He’s not just a player; he’s a multi-time All-Sun Belt selection who has made significant contributions on the field. In his career, King has allowed only nine sacks in 1,396 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing his skill and resilience. In the 2024 season alone, he allowed just two sacks across 408 pass-blocking situations and earned recognition as the fourth-rated run blocker in the league, according to PFF.
With King’s addition, he becomes the fifth offensive lineman to join the Tar Heels under the new leadership of former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. He will be joining Holy Cross’ Christo Kelly, Alabama’s Miles McVay, Rice’s Chad Lindberg, and Prairie View A&M’s William Boone. This influx of talent on the offensive line is crucial as the Tar Heels aim to improve their performance after finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 6-7 record, capped by a loss in the Fenway Bowl to UConn.
Belichick shakes up the Tar Heels
Belichick’s arrival at North Carolina has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape. Since taking the reins, he has been proactive in reshaping the team, adding 16 transfers, including some key players in the trenches. His reputation as a strategic mastermind in football is well-known, and fans are eager to see how his coaching style will translate to the college level.
King’s commitment is particularly exciting because he previously announced plans to enter the 2025 NFL draft but opted to enter the transfer portal instead. His decision to join the Tar Heels could potentially enhance his visibility and prepare him for a successful transition to the professional ranks.
The future of Belichick at UNC
However, questions loom over Belichick’s future at North Carolina. Reports have surfaced indicating that he has not yet signed a contract, which raises concerns about his long-term commitment to the program. A $10 million buyout is also a topic of discussion, leading to speculation about whether he might consider returning to the NFL. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has highlighted these uncertainties, noting that while UNC general manager Michael Lombardi has publicly stated that Belichick is committed to the Tar Heels, the lack of a signed contract leaves room for doubt.
Pelissero pointed out that Belichick has received calls from NFL teams, including one from Tom Brady. While such interest is not unusual for a coach of Belichick’s caliber, it adds a layer of complexity to the situation. “I also know Bill Belichick, who for years, with players and coaches, kind of had a rule – you’re supposed to speak about yourself only. We’ve not heard directly from Bill Belichick on any of these things,” Pelissero remarked.
King ready to make an impact
As King prepares to join the Tar Heels, he has expressed his excitement about the opportunity. He told On3 on Thursday that he had no other visits scheduled, indicating his commitment to North Carolina. With his talent and experience, King is poised to make an immediate impact on the offensive line, which is crucial for the Tar Heels as they look to bounce back from a challenging season.
The combination of King’s skill set and Belichick’s coaching could create a formidable partnership that elevates the Tar Heels’ performance in the upcoming season. Fans are undoubtedly eager to see how this new chapter unfolds, with high hopes for a revitalized offensive line that can protect the quarterback and open up running lanes.
In the world of college football, the dynamics can shift rapidly, and King’s commitment is just one piece of the puzzle. As the Tar Heels gear up for the next season, all eyes will be on how Belichick molds this team and whether King can help lead them to success on the field. The excitement is palpable, and the potential for greatness is within reach for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
