Maryland defensive lineman Lavon Johnson has signed with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, bolstering head coach Bill Belichick’s inaugural roster with a proven interior disruptor . Johnson, a junior transfer out of the NCAA portal, appeared in 18 games over two seasons at Maryland, compiling 19 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack in College Park . A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a former three‑star recruit from Cheshire Academy (CT), he chose UNC over multiple Power Five suitors after visiting other programs, including Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma . Johnson becomes the fifth defensive‑line addition for the Tar Heels this spring and will join Michael Carter II and Dawson Garcia as key rotational players in Belichick’s new 4‑3 front .
Announcement and Recruitment Battle
On April 18, 2025, On3 national insider Pete Nakos reported that Lavon Johnson had officially signed his National Letter of Intent with North Carolina, making him immediately eligible for the 2025 season . Johnson’s commitment followed an intense recruitment cycle, during which he fielded interest and official visits from Texas, Texas A&M, Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Mississippi State and Rutgers . Despite that wide-ranging pursuit, Belichick’s vision for a physical, disciplined defensive line ultimately won out, highlighting UNC’s newfound portal momentum under its Hall of Fame coach .
Collegiate Career at Maryland
During his two seasons with the Terrapins, Johnson carved out a rotational role on Maryland’s defensive front . As a freshman in 2023, he recorded five tackles, and in 2024 he added 14 tackles, including a career‑high six solo stops against the Iowa Hawkeyes in a 29–13 road loss . Across those 18 appearances, Johnson totaled 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack—numbers that belied his disruptive presence and high motor when on the field .
High School Pedigree and Recruiting Profile
Johnson’s foundations were built at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, where he earned two‑time Morning Call EPC Defensive Player of the Year honors and two first‑team All‑State selections in Class 4A . A three‑star recruit in the 2023 cycle, he was ranked among the top 150 defensive linemen nationally and top 10 players in Connecticut by On3’s Industry Ranking . His blend of length (6‑4), athleticism and run‑stopping technique drew early Power Five attention, setting the stage for his collegiate path through Chattanooga prep school and into Maryland’s program.
Transfer Portal Context
The 2025 men’s basketball and football transfer portal window ran from March 24 to April 22, with Friday, April 18 marking the midpoint of the notification period . In football, this spring window allows players to explore new teams while retaining eligibility, a system Belichick has embraced to rebuild UNC’s roster swiftly after his hire . Johnson entered the portal on April 16 and navigated official visits under the portal rules—each lasting up to 48 hours—before selecting Chapel Hill as his destination .
Fit in Belichick’s Defensive Scheme
Bill Belichick, in his first collegiate head‑coaching role, has prioritized adding “tough, versatile” defensive linemen who can maintain gap integrity and disrupt inside running games . Johnson’s skill set—demonstrated through his consistency against Big Ten competition—aligns with a 4‑3 base front that values strong‑side run defense and interior pass rush . His 6‑4, 275‑pound frame and ability to play both one‑gap and two‑gap techniques provide Belichick flexibility in game planning and rotational matchups.
Impact on UNC’s Roster and Depth Chart
With Johnson onboard, North Carolina’s defensive line room now features:
Michael Carter II, seasoned edge rusher and team leader.
Dawson Garcia, an experienced interior presence transitioning to a hybrid role.
Makai Gbayor (Missouri transfer), bringing size and run‑stopping prowess.
Lavon Johnson, rotational interior lineman paired with Carter II.
Emerging freshmen vying for depth minutes.
Johnson’s immediate impact will be felt in short‑yardage and goal‑line situations, where his strength can anchor against double teams and free up linebackers for pursuit . His presence also allows Belichick to mix personnel in passing downs, leaning on Johnson’s developing pass‑rush arsenal.
Program Momentum and Future Outlook
North Carolina’s spring portal haul has vaulted them to No. 14 in On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings, driven by marquee additions such as quarterback Gio Lopez (South Alabama), linebacker Mikai Gbayor (Missouri) and receiver Adrian Wilson (Colorado) . Johnson’s commitment underscores Belichick’s ability to attract high‑character players eager to learn under a championship leader . As UNC transitions to Belichick’s culture of process and situational dominance, Johnson’s work ethic and Maryland pedigree fit the blueprint for sustained program elevation.
Next Steps and Enrolment
Following his signing, Johnson is expected to enroll at UNC for summer sessions, participate in strength‑and‑conditioning programs, and engage in early install of defensive schemes during spring practice wrap‑ups . His integration will be key to Chapel Hill’s preparation for a challenging non‑conference slate, before ACC play commences. Spring film study and position drills will set the stage for Johnson to compete for rotation snaps from Week 1 onward.
Conclusion
Lavon Johnson’s signing with North Carolina marks a significant win in Bill Belichick’s first spring at the collegiate level, adding proven interior toughness to the Tar Heels’ defensive front . His Maryland tenure revealed a dependable workhorse capable of anchoring line rotations, while his high‑school and portal pedigree highlight a player on the rise . As UNC’s spring portal class coalesces, Johnson stands poised to contribute immediately, embodying the competitive resilience Belichick demands and signaling a new era of sustained excellence in Chapel Hill.
