In a notable recruiting development for the UNC Tar Heels, legendary coach Bill Belichick made a personal visit to Cocoa High School in Florida on Tuesday to meet with four-star quarterback prospect Champ Smith, rising talent from the Class of 2027.
Cocoa High Lands High-Caliber QB Champ Smith from Boca Raton
Smith, a 6-foot 2 signal caller, who transferred from Spanish River High School in Boca Raton to Cocoa High School ahead of the 2025 season, quickly made an impact by guiding the Tigers to their 19th consecutive regional championship.
Bill Belichick visits Cocoa High while recruiting QB Champ SmithFLORIDA TODAY preps @321preps
Despite a strong playoff run that included standout performance, such as a game-winning drive against a tough Bradford defense and efficient passing in earlier rounds, their cinderella run eventually came to an end to the hands of Class 2A state champion Cardinal Mooney in the state semifinals.
This impressive run from Champ in his first year with the program further elevated his recruiting profile as a dynamic prospect. Smith and the Tigers finished the season 8-5 after starting the season 2-4.
Legendary Coach Makes Visit to Cocoa High on Tuesday
“Thanks to Bill Belichick and Mike Lombardi for coming to see me yesterday (January 20th). I appreciate the love UNC has put into my recruitment since extending an offer. It was fun talking quarterbacking and football with two legends of the game,” Smith said about meeting Coach Belichick and GM Mike Lombardi.
In his junior season at Cocoa High School, Champ Smith completed 206 of 349 passes for 2,350 yards, tossing 14 touchdowns against 13 interceptions across 12 games. On the ground, he added 193 rushing yards and one touchdown while scrambling, contributing to the Tigers’ strong playoff push despite the balanced but turnover-prone passing numbers…