Reports: UNC, Bill Belichick land UConn DL Pryce Yates

UConn defensive lineman Pryce Yates is joining coach Bill Belichick's transfer portal class at North Carolina, multiple outlets reported.

Yates entered the transfer portal after earning defensive MVP honors in the Huskies' 27-14 victory against the Tar Heels in the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 28. He had a sack and three tackles for loss against his future teammates.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound redshirt junior from San Antonio finished the 2024 season with 21 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in seven games.

North Carolina has picked up commitments from at least 13 transfers since it hired Belichick last month to replace Mack Brown.

UConn coach Jim Mora voiced his displeasure with other teams "tampering" with his players just before Yates put his name in the portal on Dec. 30.

"A simple note to the schools and coaches that have blatantly broken @NCAAFootball rules by tampering with our players in the last 24 hours," Mora wrote on X. "We do know who you are, we will pursue all avenues to hold you accountable. We are excited that we've built a program where coaches have to cheat to beat us and we will protect that program. Think hard before you tamper with our players."

--Field Level Media