Bill Belichick and North Carolina don’t need to wait around on William Mitchell.
The North Jersey freshman hasn’t even played an official high school game yet, but his name is already starting to buzz in the kind of circles that usually don’t waste time on underclassmen. If UNC wants to get ahead of the pack, this is the moment to do it.
Mitchell is set to begin his high school career at Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, the reigning Non-Public Group 4 state champions. And in that part of the state, there’s no easing into things.
Non-Public Group 4 is loaded with elite programs, including Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco, which are both nationally known as well. At one of the “big three” schools, you have to be ready to compete right away.
That’s where Mitchell enters the picture. He’s expected to play a major role for the Green Knights as they try to defend their title, and the impressive part is how much he can do.
He’s been in the mix for St. Joe’s starting quarterback job during training camp, and he’s shown enough as a passer to make people take notice.
“Just another work day. 1st time in action #QB #SJR #section 🎱 #qbvillage #freshman #zonesix #7v7 pic.twitter.com/yXTxUoNLOX
- Wiliam Mitchell (@WillDMitchell8) July 11, 2026”
Even so, quarterback might not be his best long-term fit. Mitchell may profile even better as a skill player, especially at wide receiver.
In St. Joe’s final scrimmage against St.
Joe’s Prep of Philadelphia, he broke loose for the game’s only touchdown, taking a quick slant 75 yards to the end zone.
“Football Scrimmage…
Touchdown Green Knights.
Freshman Will Mitchell takes quick slant 75 yards to the house.
PAT good.
6 minutes left in half
Green Knights 7
SJ Prep 0
- Varsity Aces (@VarsityAces) August 22, 2026”
He had already flashed in another scrimmage, too, pulling in a one-handed catch down the sideline over a defender in a play that drew obvious Randy Moss/Odell Beckham Jr. comparisons.
St. Joe’s head coach Augie Hoffmann, a former NFL offensive lineman, has a weapon on his hands.
So does offensive coordinator Gary Nova, one of the best quarterbacks in Rutgers history, who is tasked with getting Mitchell involved early and often. If their preseason work is any indication, they already know how to use him.
That’s why North Carolina should be paying attention now, not later. 2030 is a long way off, and plenty can change before then, including whatever happens with coaching in Chapel Hill. But Mitchell’s recruitment figures to take off once he starts playing regular-season games, and programs are already moving.
Penn State got there first. Matt Campbell and the Nittany Lions landed Mitchell’s first offer shortly after his strong showing in St.
Joe’s final preseason tune-up. UNC should be next in line, getting in early before the crowd gets too big.
If Belichick and the Tar Heels want a foothold in North Jersey, William Mitchell is the kind of name worth circling right now.
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For a player looking to expand his role, those kinds of comments matter because they fit the broader tone coming out of Chapel Hill. McGill described a locker room that is tight and focused, with players buying into the standard the staff is setting. The Tar Heels still have to show it on game day, but McGills offseason message was clear: he wants a bigger piece of the offense, and he believes he is ready for the chance. [Read more 🡒]