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Four-star defensive lineman Julian Walker flipped his commitment from Michigan to South Carolina on signing day to join the Gamecocks‘ 2026 recruiting class.
Bill Belichick gave him something to think about before making that decision. He attempted to use North Carolina’s NIL money to lure him to Chapel Hill.
Who is Julian Walker?
The Irmo native is considered the top prospect in the state of South Carolina this 2026 recruiting cycle. His recruitment came to an end on Thursday. He signed with the hometown program in the early window.
That decision was notable. The edge rusher had previously been committed to play for Michigan. He flipped to the Gamecocks at the last minute.
Julian Walker flips in favor of the Gamecocks!@GamecockFB | @dfhsfootball | @wachfox pic.twitter.com/EzvxVFkM6L
— Claire Foley (@clairefoleytv) December 4, 2025
Despite making his pledge to the Wolverines in July, he was always considered a South Carolina lean. His father, Jamil Walker, is the Assistant Football Strength and Conditioning Coach on Shane Beamer’s staff.
Bill Belichick tried to turn the defender against his dad.
Julian Walker’s high school football coach spoke to the media after a playoff win this past weekend. He was glad to have the distraction of a college commitment off the mind of his star pass rusher.
“He was so distracted,” said Tom Knotts, the head coach at Dutch Fork. “Belichick kept him on the phone for an hour throwing money at him. It was just crazy, and he was so stressed out.”
Quote of the weekend comes from Dutch Fork’s Tom Knotts.
I asked about 4-star DE Julian Walker’s week signing with @GamecockFB and getting a scoop&score in the state title game
“He was so distracted, Belichick kept him on the phone for an hour throwing money at him” @wachfox pic.twitter.com/GJmZAbcj1x
— Claire Foley (@clairefoleytv) December 7, 2025
North Carolina is on the Gamecocks’ 2028 and 2029 schedules. A UNC commitment would’ve potentially pit father against son.
Knotts says Belichick gave one last-ditch attempt to convince Walker to play for the Tar Heels. It failed. The defensive end will be at South Carolina with his dad next season.