Rolesville High four-star defensive back Marquis Bryant has committed to North Carolina for the 2027 season. The junior standout announced his pledge on Dec. 16, picking the Tar Heels and coach Bill Belichick over five other finalists – Clemson, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee.
It’s a big win for UNC and the state’s FBS teams in general, which have seen much of the top talent from recent high school classes head to the SEC, Big Ten, higher profile ACC programs or places like Notre Dame.
“North Carolina has always felt like home to me,” Bryant told Rivals for a story on his commitment. “I’m ready to call it home publicly now.”
This page tracks key moments in Bryant’s recruiting journey, including notable offers, on-field achievements, commitments and signing updates as they become known.
Marquis Bryant Quick Facts
- Position: Safety
- Height / Weight: 6-0, 190
- High School: Rolesville HS
- Hometown: Rolesville, NC
- Class year: 2027
- 247Sports Composite Ranking: 4 stars, No. 9 overall prospect in North Carolina, No. 199 nationally, No. 20 safety nationally
- Current commitment status: Picked North Carolina on Dec. 16, 2025 from among a group of six finalists.
I'm staying home 🐏🩵 https://t.co/Ai63ozaidf — Marquis Bryant 4⭐️( 2027) (@QuisBryantt) December 16, 2025
Recruiting News & Nuggets
- Went into commitment day with UNC, Clemson, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Ohio State and Nebraska listed as his favorites. Rivals reported that Bryant had been to Chapel Hill six times during the recruiting process.
- Despite controversy surrounded UNC coach Bill Belichick during the season, Bryant has strong belief that he is going to be part of a program turnaround in Chapel Hill. “Belichick is building a dynasty at North Carolina,” he told Rivals. “Chapel Hill will be a portal to the NFL. He has a great plan, a great staff, and they will be about developing players. Coach Belichick is a laid-back guy, but he is all about business. He wants North Carolina to win.”
- Bryant is listed as a safety but believes he is versatile in the defensive backfield. “I’m an all-around defensive back,” Bryant told 247Sports. “I can play high, come down and hit, and I can play man. I really am a hybrid safety and can play free, strong and some nickel.”
- Bryant becomes the third recent Rolesville High player to commit to Belichick and the Heels. Jayden Griffin-Haynes and Zavion Griffin-Haynes were part of UNC’s 2026 signing class.
- Bryant played at UNC’s Kenan Stadium in 2024 when Rolesville faced Grimsley in the 4A state title game.
- Also took unofficial visits to Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee during the 2025 season, per 247Sports
- Camped at Clemson in summer 2025
- Reported his first D1 offer from Charlotte in March 2024. NC State followed shortly thereafter.
Marquis Bryant Commitment https://t.co/TxgOjZWh3f — Rolesville Rams Football (@RamsFootballNC) December 16, 2025
Known Offer List
North Carolina schools
- North Carolina
- Duke
- NC State
- Charlotte
- Campbell
Power 4 Schools
- Clemson
- Ohio State
- Tennessee
- Florida State
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Miami
- Michigan
- Michigan State
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Notre Dame
- Ole Miss
- Rutgers
- SMU
- South Carolina
- Syracuse
- Texas A&M
- UCF
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Other
- Sacramento State
- Coastal Carolina
- Troy
- UMass
Player Highlights
- Earned first-team all-conference for Rolesville in both 2024 and 2025
- Intercepted seven passes and finished with 32 tackles in 2025, also forced two fumbles
- Logged 58 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and an interception as a sophomore in 2024
- Named first-team all-state as a safety in 2024 from HighSchoolOT
- Played varsity for Rolesville as a freshman (2023), finishing with 53 tackles, an interception, 10 PBUs and a forced fumble,
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