Today we will look at which position group on defense will be the best and why they should be expected to perform.
North Carolina’s defense will need to be much improved if they want to build on the woes they faced last season. If they can step up and be even average, there is no reason the Tar Heels can’t win 10 games. There is a lot that needs to be corrected, but with a few fresh position coaches, we may see improvement. The defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs will be ranked from best to worst.
Linebacker/Jack
Although the Jack position is technically a linebacker, I will separate the two here as they serve different roles.
Linebacker
Headliner: Cedric Gray
North Carolina has a talented linebacker corps. They have an ACC First-Team selection in Cedric Gray, who could’ve gone to the NFL draft. Power Echols came into his own last season and showed great improvement throughout the year. There are also young guys like Sebastian Cheeks, Amare Campbell, and ‘Deuce” Caldwell who look to create solid depth at the position. This was North Carolina’s best defensive unit last year and likely will be this season as well.
Jack
Headliner: Kaimon Rucker
This season, the Tar Heels will have enough experience at Jack to rotate guys constantly. Kaimon Rucker has caused havoc for North Carolina for two seasons. However, UNC added Florida State transfer Amari Gainer, who provided experience and depth. Malaki Hamrick saw playing time last year and will be ready to help the Heels.
Defensive Line
This is a highly ranked group out of high school that hasn’t put it together yet. If they do, it will really help the entire defense.
Headliner: Desmond Evans
North Carolina has so much talent on the defensive line. The problem is that they have not reached their potential yet. There are multiple prospects with NFL size and skillsets that need to reel it in and cause havoc next season. Desmond Evans, Jahvaree Ritzie, Travis Shaw, Myles Murphy, Kedrick Bingley-Jones, and Kevin Hester have all shown flashes. Now add Tomari Fox, who is back from suspension, and another year of Ohio State transfer Jacolbe Cowan, and you see what could be.
Defensive Backs
This is not only North Carolina’s weakest position but its thinnest as well.
Headliner: Alijah Huzzie
With the departures of starting cornerbacks Tony Grimes and Storm Duck, the Tar Heels will have multiple fresh faces. They added FCS All-American Alijah Huzzie, who looks to have made an impression in the Spring. North Carolina also added Armani Gainer from Virginia Tech and Derrik Allen from Georgia Tech. Returning to the team at corner is Marcus Allen, who showed flashes late last season. Lejond Cavasos also returns for the Heels. At safety, UNC will have experience from Will Hardy, Gio Biggers, Deandre Boykins, and Don Chapman.
The big thing for this year’s defense will be to generate pressure on the opposing quarterback. That was lacking last season, and led to the defensive backs being left down field having to chase receivers. If North Carolina can get some pressure, the defensive numbers will surely improve.
