Former Penn State defensive lineman commits to Bill Belichick and North Carolina
Former Penn State defensive end Smith Vilbert has found his new home for his final year of college football eligibility. Vilbert announced on social media he has committed to play for North Carolina.
"I've met some great individuals that I can honestly call my brothers, ad some great coaches," Vilbert said in a post on his social media account on Wednesday. "I am glad I can officially say I am a PSU graduate/alumni, thank you!"
Vilbert will play his seventh and final year of college football for one of the most successful coaches in football history, Bil Belichick. The Super Bowl champion head coach is entering his first season as head coach of the Tar Heels.
Vilbert picked up an extra year of free eligibility from the NCAA for the 2020 season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He redshirted his first season on campus in 2019 and was granted a medical redshirt for losing the 2023 season.
Vilbert recorded 12 tackles and 4 TFL with 2 forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks this past season while playing as a second option on the line behind Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton. With Carter moving to the NFL, Vilbert could have become a top candidate to lock down a more prominent role on the defensive line in 2025 beginning this spring. But now, he will likely pursue an opportunity with a new program.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Former Penn State DL Smith Vilbert announces transfer commitment
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