Could the North Carolina Tar Heels land their next star running back in the 2027 recruiting class? It’s a question that’s buzzing around Chapel Hill as head coach Bill Belichick gears up for another recruiting season after a rollercoaster first year.
Reflecting on the 2026 class, Belichick and his staff have plenty to be proud of, securing nine four-star commitments. Standouts like quarterback Travis Burgess and cornerback Kenton Dopson are already generating excitement with their potential to make a significant impact.
Building on this solid foundation, the Tar Heels are setting their sights on enhancing their roster with the upcoming recruiting class. At the forefront of their targets is four-star running back Elijah Kimble.
Spotlight on Kimble
Elijah Kimble is an intriguing prospect for the Tar Heels, and for good reason. Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Kimble is the top-ranked prospect in New York and sits comfortably in the top 15 running backs nationwide, according to 247Sports’ Composite.
His high school career at Canisius has been nothing short of spectacular. Over three seasons, Kimble has amassed over 5,300 rushing yards and 73 touchdowns.
Last season alone, he racked up 1,726 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging a remarkable nine yards per carry. Not just a force on the ground, Kimble also showcased his versatility with 10 catches for 172 receiving yards.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds, Kimble combines size and speed in a way that makes him a dynamic threat. His ability to consistently churn out 100-yard games-achieving this feat in 26 of his 34 high school outings-demonstrates his capacity to shoulder a significant workload. Add his receiving skills to the mix, and you have a well-rounded offensive weapon that any college coach would covet.
However, the road to securing Kimble won’t be easy for Belichick and the Tar Heels. They face stiff competition from the Indiana Hoosiers, Washington Huskies, and Miami Hurricanes. Indiana and Miami both played in last season’s National Championship, while Washington boasts a strong history of grooming NFL-ready running backs.
The race is on, and the stakes are high. The Tar Heels are hoping to add Kimble to their arsenal, a move that could significantly bolster their offensive prowess for years to come.