Two UNC Linebackers Hit the Portal

Linebacker depth took a hit.

Two UNC linebackers have entered their names into the portal. Sebastian Cheeks and Randy “Deuce” Caldwell have decided to move on from the program. This position group was already thin but now relies on Cedric Gray, who may be NFL-bound, Power Echols, and freshmen and reserves.

Player Profile

Randy Caldwell: He was a 6’1, 210-pound linebacker out of Mauldin, South Carolina. Caldwell was ranked as a 3-star and the 759th best player in his class. With the Tar Heels, he had played a reserve role. This year, he had two tackles. In 2022, he was responsible for six tackles, including a sack. Caldwell has already begun to get offers from programs around the country.

Sebastian Cheeks: A 6’2, 230-pound linebacker out of high school, Cheeks was listed as a 4-star and was ranked 194th in his class. From Evanston, Illinois, Cheeks was thought to be a contributor soon. He battled an injury in his first season after getting three tackles. This year, Cheeks was responsible for one tackle. He will likely be looked at across the country as well, due to his size and ranking out of high school.

What’s Next?

UNC will have to find linebackers in the portal. Before these two left, the room was already thin. Now, with those two gone and Cedric Gray potentially leaving, you can promise players playing time.

The portal is rolling.

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