By R.L. Bynum
CHAPEL HILL — When linebacker Khmori House transferred from Washington to North Carolina, he wasn’t just changing coasts — he was continuing a relationship with a coach who had already earned his trust.
The 6–0, 215-pound sophomore is one of several former Huskies who followed defensive coordinator Steve Belichick across the country to Chapel Hill, a move that signals not just loyalty but belief in a defensive system — and a coach.
“This was the right spot for me,” said House, who played 12 games as a freshman with 19 solo tackles, 16 assists, four passes defended, one tackle for a loss, one interception and one forced fumble. “All the other schools, just narrowing it down, I felt like this was the best decision.”
While it’s early in UNC’s training camp, House said there’s a fresh start feel in Chapel Hill, even with the familiar voice of Steve Belichick calling the shots on defense.
The Huskies were 28th in the country in total defense in their only season under Belichick, after the 2023 team that played for the national championship was 99th.
“Last year was the 2024 Washington defense. This is going to be the 2025 UNC defense,” said House, not wanting to compare the two units. “Completely new people, new defense, and we just play to our strengths.”
Steve Belichick made a quick impression with his ability to adapt schemes to his players’ strengths. House said that was a significant factor in his growth as a player.
“I think he’s just really good at knowing his players, knowing what we’re good at, and using us,” House said. “Being able to just let us play free. Let us do what you know we do — just play football. He’s a great play caller, so I think he’s just all around good.”
Now at UNC, House is preparing for a larger role in a defense that’s still taking shape. He’s focused on bringing daily intensity and setting the tone.
“We said our standard is being tough, smart and dependable,” House said. “We tell everybody to be tough, smart and dependable — bring that. Let’s just start there and win each day.”
House’s versatility is part of what made him stand out to Steve Belichick last season — and it’s something he believes will be even more valuable in the UNC defense.
“I think he always tells us, the more you can do, the more you’ll play,” House said. “So, it’s very important on this defense. If you’re a smart football player and you can do a lot, you’ll be able to play a lot more. That’s just how it works. That’s football. Just using me to my strengths, called to my strengths and was able to execute to my strengths, for sure.”
While House is one of a few former Huskies who transferred to UNC, House says he made the decision independently and early.
“I think I was one of the first guys here,” House said. “Some of my other teammates hopped on the portal, and I was trying to get them, but I didn’t know anything.”
Now settled in, House is working on building chemistry with his new teammates — on and off the field. He says he does a lot of activities with his teammates and lives with two fellow transfers from Washington.
“I hang out with everybody on the team,” House said. “I’m trying to connect with everybody so we can just play football together and have that team chemistry that wins football games.”
Though originally from Pasadena, Calif., House has embraced life in the South while admitting that it’s different.
“Everybody here, the people in the South, are nice,” he said. “Fans are great. It’s a great adjustment. It’s been smooth. My teammates came in and were able to welcome us in and now we’re just a part of the family.”
He got a taste of the UNC-N.C. State rivalry when he saw that Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers had posted a photo on social media showing of a dart in Bill Belichick’s face with the words “Target practice.” He didn’t hesitate to respond on X (formerly Twitter).
Throughout it all, House continues to lean on what he says is a good relationship with Steve Belichick, who helped unlock his potential last season and continues to guide his development.
“I talk about football a lot, some personal things, but it’s to connect with him more,” House said. “I used to go up to his office after practice, try to learn, learn about the scheme, or learn about what we did. And I think that’s how we connected.”
That connection, and a new opportunity, brought House across the country. If things go according to plan, it might also bring UNC’s defense to the next level.
House’s freshman numbers
| Games | Solo tackles | Assists | Total | TFL- yards | INT | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 19 | 16 | 35 | 1-3 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
tarheeltribune.com 