Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Football: The Tar Heels’ 2016 Season in Review

By Horran Cameron

Nov 25, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora (center) reacts to a call during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Wolfpack won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora (center) reacts to a call during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Wolfpack won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

Defense

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
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 /

North Carolina’s defense did not perform well this season, as a whole.

During the 2015 season, UNC had several all-ACC defensive players in M.J. Stewart (second team), Nazair Jones (third team), Des Lawrence (third team), Jeff Schoettmer (honorable mention) and Donnie Miles, Jr.(honorable mention).

In the 2016 season, the Tar Heels had four all-ACC players consisting of Nazair Jones (third team), M.J. Stewart (honorable mention), Des Lawrence (honorable mention) and Andre’ Smith (honorable mention).

UNC linebacker Cole Holcomb finished third in the ACC in total tackles (88).

UNC’s defense was eighth in the ACC (out of 14 teams) with allowing 24.9 points per game. The Tar Heels gave up 408.1 yards per game, 10th in the ACC.

In rushing defense, the UNC ranked last in the conference due to allowing 227.3 yards per game. However, when it comes to passing, the Tar Heels have a better standing. They finished the season ranked first in the ACC allowing the least amount of passing yards per game (180.8 yards).

North Carolina’s best defensive player, Nazair Jones, will forego his senior season and turn pro. With his departure, the Tar Heels will look to find a new leader on the defensive line.

All-ACC player M.J. Stewart will return as a senior, though.

Home/UNC Football