North Carolina has landed a commitment from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood three-star linebacker Theo Wilson, beating out other finalists like LSU, Louisville, and Virginia.
Wilson took official visits with the Tigers, Cardinals and Cavaliers but ultimately, the Tar Heels won out.
Both his bond with Bill Belichick‘s coaching staff and his fit in the defense helped UNC land Wilson’s commitment, which he delivered to the staff in Chapel Hill on Monday.
“UNC won out because really the relationship I have with the coaches and how it felt when I went there,” Wilson said. “Also, the scheme they run and the way I would fit into the defense. I feel like it’d bean easy transition going to UNC because we run the same defensive scheme as them. I feel like it’ll be the most comfortable and right position for me.”
The opportunity to be coached by one of football’s most accomplished coaches in Belichick played a role in this decision as well.
“That meant a lot actually,” he said of the Belichick factor. “I’m not going to lie, it meant a lot.”
Belichick’s demeanor behind the scenes was surprising to Wilson.
“First impression was good. I thought from watching him on TV and the NFL, I thought he was going to be mean but he’s cool,” Wilson said of Belichick. “He’s pretty cool, funny.”
Wilson carries a 247Sports three-star rating of 88, ranking as the No. 57 linebacker nationally and as the No. 54 player in the state of Florida within the 2027 recruiting cycle.
He experienced a breakout junior campaign when he produced 96 tackles (34 for loss), 17 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and one pick.
Armwood finished 13-1 and made it to Florida’s Class 6A semifinals.
Scouting Report via 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins:
– Physical, downhill enforcer that is rounding into form.
– Looks college ready with a 6-foot-2 ½ frame that’s already carrying 230 pounds.
– Thrives in a stack linebacker role as he reads his keys and flows efficiently to the football.
– Runs feet through contact and is almost always looking to finish as a tackler.
– Quicker than he is fast, but was better than expected in coverage at an Under Armour NEXT camp in advance of senior year.
– Effective on delayed blitz calls and has had success rushing from the corner (13 sacks as a junior).
– Projects as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level that is likely to shine as a run defender given how he shoots gaps and drops ball carriers.
