UNC Football: Things Larry Fedora is thankful for this year

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Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Nazair Jones (90) reacts after a defensive stop against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Larry Fedora is thankful for…Nazair Jones, Donnie Miles, Jr. and M.J. Stewart

Currently, Nazair Jones, Donnie Miles and M.J. Stewart are juniors and leaders on North Carolina’s defense.

Their leadership will be needed next season for a younger defense in 2017. If they do not leap to the NFL, then the Tar Heels have a good chance of duplicating their successes of the last two seasons.

This defensive trio is key to rebuilding Carolina’s defense. Miles is one of the ACC’s top tacklers. Stewart is one of the best defensive backs in the conference. Jones ranks as one of UNC’s best pass rushers in football history.

If all of them come back next season, Fedora may be giving thanks for them this time next year, too.

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