During the time period this offseason when many fans were evaluating the idea that the UNC football team could sign ex-Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava, South Alabama transfer QB made himself available and became the Tar Heels’ target.
Lopez committed to North Carolina and immediately entered a quarterback battle with Max Johnson and freshman Bryce Baker. The 6-foot-0 QB from James Clemens HS in Madison, Alabama, was a three-star prospect out of high school and a three-star prospect, just a two-point differential in rating, according to 247Sports.
However, Belichick loves the underrated player that he believes can evolve to something better than anyone else believes he is. Now, coach has had time to evaluate that decision and spoke on on what he thought of Lopez.
Quoted via Inside Carolina, this is what Belichick had to say when asked about what he thought about Gio Lopez:
“Gio was really productive at South Alabama. He’s a dual-threat quarterback. He’s had plenty of production, yardage, and both running game and passing game experience. Tough kid, played well against some good competition, teams like LSU. So looks like he’s definitely ready for this level. And we’re excited to work with him, as we are with everybody else.”
Last season, in Lopez’s freshman year at South Alabama, he threw for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions. He finished the season with a 150.8 QB rating and a 66% completion percentage. He averaged 8.2 yards per throw on the mid-major squad.
Lopez will now enter Power 4 territory and could have the opportunity to be the first starting quarterback under the Bill Belichick era. There is still plenty of practice to go between now and the opening kickoff against TCU in September.
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Source link : https://tarheelswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/tarheels/football/2025/06/10/bill-belichick-unc-gio-lopez/84134466007/
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Publish date : 2025-06-10 19:59:00
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