Bill Belichick extends UNC offer to son of Patriots Super Bowl champion
LeGarrette Blount Jr. is a 2028 prospect currently playing at both defensive back and wide receiver.
As Bill Belichick continues to build up his program at the University of North Carolina, the ex-Patriots head coach is looking to bring in a familiar name to Chapel Hill in the years ahead.
Through Belichick’s recruiting efforts, the Tar Heels have now extended an offer to LeGarrette Blount Jr. — with the 2028 prospect posting the news on social media Wednesday. Blount — whose father played for the Patriots for four seasons — plays defensive back and wide receiver at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona.
“Blessed to receive my 2nd D1 offer from North Carolina!!,” Blount Jr. posted on Instagram.
It didn’t take long for his father, who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, to respond on social media.
“LFG LB!!!!! A dawg if I ever seen one!!!” LeGarrette Blount Sr. posted on Twitter. “Such a humble and respectful kid that does nothing but WORK!! I’m so proud of you and happy for you son! You deserve everything coming your way and more king! I love you so so much my guy!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!”
Belichick has already brought in several regulars from his 24-year tenure in Foxborough as part of his new role as head coach of the Tar Heels.
Along with adding his sons (and former Patriots assistants) Steve and Brian to the coaching staff, Belichick appointed former New England personnel staffer Michael Lombardi as UNC football’s general manager. Belichick also tabbed former Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins as a defensive assistant on his staff last week.
Belichick relied heavily on LeGarrette Blount Sr. during the second leg of New England’s two-decade dynasty — with Blount establishing himself as a bruising running back and a key complement to a versatile running-back group that included shiftier, pass-catching backs like Shane Vereen, James White, and Dion Lewis.
Blount ran for 2,917 yards and 35 touchdowns over his 49 games with New England. He put together his best season with the Patriots in 2016, where he ran for 1,161 yards and led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns — setting a Patriots franchise record in the process.
A useful weapon in short-yardage and red-zone situations, Blount scored eight touchdowns over eight career postseason games with the Patriots — headlined by a four-touchdown showing against the Colts in the 2013 AFC Divisional Round. He added another three touchdowns against Indy in the 2014 AFC Championship Game.
While Blount achieved plenty of success in New England, he also ruined the Patriots’ shot at another Super Bowl in February 2018 — with the veteran back running for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles’ win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
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