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UNC Football: Can the Tar Heels defense be great in 2017?

By Bryson Gordon

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 05: General view of the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 05: General view of the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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We all know about the Tar Heels fiery offense, but can the defense be the hallmark of this years team?

It has been a little over six months since Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator Gene Chizik stepped down from his job. Despite that, there has not been this much buzz around a Tar Heels defense in a while.

The hallmark of Larry Fedora teams has long been its offense, and rightfully so. But this year, it could be the defense that makes this team a Coastal powerhouse.

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John Papuchis will take the reigns of the defense this year, and will hope to continue the improvements.

This Tar Heel defense, since the atrocious 2014 season, has improved in both seasons since then.

In that 2014 season, the defense surrendered an average of 39 points per game. They cut that down significantly to 23.1 points per game in 2015.

And while that number jumped back up to 24.9 in 2016, the defense still made good strides.

In 2014, the team ranked 120th in total defense. After only one season, they rose up to 96th in total defense. After that, another big leap came. They rose to 63rd in total defense.

While 63rd is not that high, it is impressive for a team that hangs its hat on offense.

So can this team make another leap this year? Let’s dig deeper into the stats to find the answer.

Why this team can make the leap.

This defense, despite losing Naz Jones and Des Lawrence, this team returns a lot of its headliners.

M.J. Stewart is back for another season in the secondary, along with Myles Dorn, who showed flashes of greatness in his freshman season.

These two guys, along with Donnie Miles will be the anchor of the Tar Heels secondary. Patrice Rene will also be back as a sophomore this season, and he will remain a top cornerback on this team.
These two guys, along with Donnie Miles will be the anchor of the Tar Heels secondary. Patrice Rene will also be back as a sophomore this season, and he will remain a top cornerback on this team. /

One guy the Heels will be bringing back this year is Allen Artis. , Artis had some off the field issues last season that kept him out, but he will return for his senior season this year.

The Tar Heel secondary, who finished last in the FBS last year with one interception, will look to improve that number.

Interceptions are not really indicative of how strong a defense is, but this team will hope to have more than one next season.

The secondary will be much improved, and a year older, so do expect to see much more than one interception next year.

As far as the frontline, there will be a big hole to fill.

Jones left for the NFL, that leaves the Heels without its best defensive lineman. Jones provided much more than a big body though. He was a great leader of the defense, making sure the Heels gave max effort every play.

Jalen Dalton will step in, looking to make a big leap in his junior season. Jeremiah Clarke is also back in a big way for the Heels. Clarke had a great season for the Heels last season, including a pair of fumble recoveries.

There is no doubt that the defensive line will have the most questions as the season opens, but there will be no debating the greatness of the linebackers.

The Heels will return its top two tacklers, who just so happen to be linebackers, Cole Holcomb and Andre Smith. The two combined for eleven tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks.

Smith had a coming out party last year. He doubled his tackles count from his freshman season. There is something to be said for his incredible effort.

The Heels also return Cayson Collins, who will be a senior this year. Collins totaled 60 tackles last year, four of which were for a loss.

The linebackers will be set in stone this year, barring any unforeseen injuries.

Some more names you should be watching out for on the Heels are Tomon Fox, Dajuan Drennon, and Malik Carney.

Carney, who led the team in sacks last year with 5.5, will look to strengthen the defensive end corps. Carney, along with Fox and Drennon will likely see the most time at those positions, with Tyler Powell seeing some time also.

Final Touches

Even with Papuchis taking the reigns on defense, it will not be his debut with the team. Papuchis was the linebackers coach the last two years in Chapel Hill. He knows what he is working with.

Papuchis also brings experience from more than a Tar Heel point of view. He was the defensive coordinator at Nebraska, coaching the likes of Prince Amakamura, and Ndamukong Suh. He has coached big-time talent before.

Look out for Papuchis to bring the winning mentality back to Chapel Hill next year, on defense.

With the number of leaps this team has made in only two seasons, there is no reason they cannot make another big one.

This team certainly has the firepower and playmakers, they just need to realize their potential. While this team will face arguably a tougher schedule, this defense will be a year older, and a year more experienced, ensuring that they will be ready for the tough opponents when they come.

Related Story: Which Tar Heel receiver will step up in 2017?

This Tar Heel team should make a big leap next year, and be among the great defenses in the ACC!

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