Kamden Laudenslager, a standout linebacker and edge rusher from McDonogh, has earned plenty of accolades throughout his high school career, including a spot on the prestigious All-Metro first team. But as excited as he was about continuing his football journey at the University of North Carolina, nothing could have prepared him for the jaw-dropping news that NFL legend Bill Belichick would be taking over as head coach for the Tar Heels.
Coming off an impressive senior season at McDonogh, where he led the team with 101 tackles, three sacks, and an interception, Laudenslager is buzzing with excitement to learn from one of the greatest minds in football history. Hailing from Pennsylvania, where he joined McDonogh as a freshman, Kamden’s hard work and determination have made him a top recruit, and now he’s gearing up to take on the next big chapter of his football career in Chapel Hill. In a recent interview with The Baltimore Sun, Kamden shared his thoughts on his football journey, the opportunity to play under Belichick, and what the future holds.
The Moment Kamden Found Out About Coach Belichick
When Kamden first heard that Bill Belichick, one of the most successful and respected NFL coaches of all time, would be heading to North Carolina, his reaction was pure disbelief. “I couldn’t even believe it was true, considering how legendary of a coach he is,” Kamden admitted. The idea of learning from Belichick seemed almost too good to be true, especially after a period of uncertainty when former coach Mack Brown was let go.
"I was nervous about who they would bring in after Coach Brown left," Kamden shared, revealing that he was a big fan of Brown and that his coaching was one of the factors that initially drew him to UNC. But despite the shake-up, Kamden is more than pleased with the new direction. “It couldn’t have worked out any better. They couldn’t have had a better hire, in my opinion. I’m really happy about it.”
Grateful and Eager to Learn From a Football Giant
Kamden feels incredibly fortunate to be in a position where he can learn from a coach with such an unparalleled legacy. “I just feel extremely lucky because I’m in a great situation,” he said, reflecting on the opportunity to study under Belichick’s tutelage. “He’s coached so many great players and has been coaching for so long — probably four times the amount of time I’ve been alive.” For Kamden, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soak up as much knowledge as possible and elevate his game to the next level.
With Belichick’s resume, which includes multiple Super Bowl championships and an impeccable reputation for developing talent, Kamden knows that this is a rare chance. “I just want to go there and learn as much as I can from him and maximize my potential,” he emphasized.
Preparing for His First Meeting with Coach Belichick
Although Kamden is still wrapping his head around the reality that Belichick will be his coach, he’s eagerly anticipating his first conversation with the legendary coach. “Later this week, I’m going to be getting on the phone with him, and I’m hoping to get down there for a basketball game to see a game and maybe meet him as well,” Kamden explained. It’s clear that he’s still in awe of the situation, and the excitement is building with each passing day.
When asked how he thinks he’ll feel when he finally meets Belichick in person, Kamden’s answer was filled with mixed emotions. “It honestly still doesn’t feel real that he’s my coach. It’s just unbelievable how fortunate I am. I feel like I have a little bit of every emotion — nervous, excited, just about everything,” he admitted. It's evident that meeting Belichick is a moment Kamden has dreamed about, and when it finally happens, it will be a surreal experience for the young athlete.
Kamden’s Goals for His Freshman Year at UNC
As for his goals when he gets to UNC, Kamden is focused on earning a spot on the field and proving himself from day one. “My goal is to bulk up, go in and play wherever they tell me,” he said. Kamden is also eager to make an immediate impact on special teams, whether it’s on kickoffs or punts. “I want to go out there and prove I can earn my spot on the field by performing on special teams and show them I’m a hard-working player with a good motor,” he explained. His determination to show his worth through hard work and dedication is a testament to his strong character and work ethic.
What Kamden Has Learned About Belichick Since the Announcement
While the news about Belichick’s hiring initially caught Kamden by surprise, he’s since learned more about the coach's impressive background. “Nothing really too new. Just that this will be his first time as head coach in college and that his dad was a Navy coach, which is pretty cool,” Kamden said. Even as the details continue to sink in, the magnitude of having Belichick as a coach is not lost on Kamden, and he’s excited about the potential for growth and success under Belichick’s leadership.
How McDonogh Prepared Kamden for the Next Level
Kamden’s journey to UNC is a culmination of years of hard work, guidance, and support from his coaches and teammates at McDonogh. He credits Coach Hakeem Sule, who reached out to him back in eighth grade and helped guide him to McDonogh, as a key figure in his development. “I put my faith in coach Sule, started boarding there, and everything worked out perfectly,” Kamden said, reflecting on his time at McDonogh.
Coach Sule played a pivotal role in Kamden’s recruitment, connecting him with colleges and making sure he had all the right opportunities. Kamden also shared that the constant presence of other talented athletes around him at McDonogh helped fuel his motivation to keep improving. “The kids in my grade and seeing the kids above me who already had offers really helped me,” he said. “Their work ethic showed me what I needed to do to get to the next level.”
What Kamden Loves About Playing the Edge Position
When it comes to his position on the field, Kamden is all about getting after the quarterback. “My favorite part of the edge position is rushing the quarterback and sacking the quarterback, without a doubt,” he said enthusiastically. For Kamden, there’s no better feeling than lining up on third-and-long and knowing he’s about to go after the quarterback. It’s this drive and passion that make him such a dynamic and impactful player.
The Players Kamden Looks Up To
In terms of players he admires, Kamden looks up to NFL stars like Micah Parsons and Matt Judon for their toughness, speed, and versatility. “I love Micah Parsons, he’s the one I probably look up to most,” Kamden said, pointing to Parsons’ ability to combine speed and power and rush from multiple positions. “I like Matt Judon as well for how tough he plays.” Given that Kamden hails from Central Pennsylvania, just like Parsons, it’s no surprise that Parsons has been such an influential figure in Kamden’s development as a player.
The Joy of Football: More Than Just a Game
Above all, Kamden loves the camaraderie and sense of brotherhood that comes with playing football. “Just being with my friends every day, getting the chance to go out on the field, and having that brotherhood with my teammates — we all have each other’s backs,” he said. And of course, he loves the physicality of the game. “Just hitting people — love that feeling!” Kamden’s enthusiasm for the game is palpable, and it’s clear that football is more than just a sport for him; it’s a way of life, a community, and a passion.
As Kamden prepares for his next big step at North Carolina, one thing is for sure: his journey is just beginning, and with his talent, determination, and the guidance of Coach Belichick, the sky’s the limit. Whether it’s playing on special teams, rushing the quarterback, or learning from one of the greatest coaches in football history, Kamden Laudenslager is ready to take on whatever comes next.
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