REIDSVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) – One of the best running backs in the state has decided to stay close to home and play for North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick next season. On Friday afternoon, Reidsville High School senior Jariel Cobb officially signed on the dotted line to suit up for the Tar Heels, becoming a relatively late addition for Belichick in the 2025 recruiting class. Bill Belichick speaks as UNC-Chapel Hill coach for first time This comes after Cobb previously committed to Air Force in July, but didn’t sign during the early signing period. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back also received offers from Appalachian State and Maine, among others. UNC recruited Cobb for almost two years with Mack Brown’s coaching staff at the helm, according to 247Sports. However, Belichick and company were able to seal the deal after Cobb made an official visit last weekend to Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels’ offer was his first and only one from a Power 4 program. “It felt like out of the blue for me," Cobb said during a signing ceremony at Reidsville High School on Friday. “I was very surprised, because especially with Bill Belichick coming in as the head coach. I really think it wasn't going happen, and I'm just very happy there.” Carolina Panthers star cornerback Jaycee Horn selected to first Pro Bowl During his senior year, Cobb compiled 1,522 yards and 23 touchdowns with 142 carries on the ground. He wrapped up his high school career rushing for 3,001 yards and 43 touchdowns, while also accumulating 306 yards and two scores through the air. Meanwhile, he was instrumental to his team’s success, leading Reidsville to a 2A state championship in 2023 as well as reaching the state title game in 2022. Cobb graduated early and is set to enroll at UNC for the 2025 spring semester. “It's a lot to take in, but I told myself I’m just going just go with the flow and whatever it brings, and I’m just ready for it,” Cobb said. “I'm ready for a new chapter in my life.”