Keeping It Heel
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UNC Football: Five early questions for 2018 season

By Brandon Griffin

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Chazz Surratt
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Chazz Surratt /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Myles Dorn #1 and Jonathan Smith #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels tackle Malik Williams #29 of the Louisville Cardinals during the game at Kenan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Louisville won 47-35. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Myles Dorn #1 and Jonathan Smith #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels tackle Malik Williams #29 of the Louisville Cardinals during the game at Kenan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Louisville won 47-35. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Defense

Who needs to step up at each level for the Tar Heels?

The UNC defense was probably the best unit last season. Led by eventual second-round pick MJ Stewart, the Tar Heels defense ranked second to last in the ACC in total yards. That may not seem very good, but it is just a further testament to how bad the Tar Heels were last season.

Despite the poor number in yards, a lot of those came in the fourth quarter when the defense was gassed from playing too many minutes due to an offense that was unable to sustain drives and score points.

However, the defense did have seven interceptions last season, after having only two in 2016, and was tied for third in the conference in total sacks.

So who should the Tar Heels look to this season to anchor their defense?

Let’s start on the offensive line where a strong pass rush up the middle would help put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Jalen Dalton was a top recruit out of West Forsyth High School but has often not lived up to the billing.

This will be his senior season and if he could reach double-digit sacks, his career total is three, not only could he finally reach his potential but give the Tar Heels a strong pass rush along with Aaron Crawford.

In the second level, the Tar Heels lost Andre Smith last season, first to injury, and then to a decision to leave early for the NFL draft. In two games last season, Smith had 21 tackles, half a sack, and an interception. Losing him was one of the first nails in the Tar Heels coffin.

To replace Smith, the Tar Heels should be looking at another Smith, Jonathan Smith. Smith finished last season seventh on the team in tackles. He also had a fumble recovery for a touchdown. This will be Smith’s junior season and there is hope he will make a big leap this season.

In the secondary, the team lost the aforementioned Stewart. Stewart had a great season last year with 12 pass breakups and two sacks to go along with finishing sixth on the team in tackles. Stewart also returned punts last year when depth became a problem there as well.

To replace Stewart, UNC should look just across the field at his counterpart, KJ Sails. Sails was often the guy offenses picked on last season, mostly due to wanting to avoid throwing toward Stewart. Sails finished with 13 pass deflections and as a junior has the opportunity to take over for Stewart.

Of course, it doesn’t matter who steps up on defense if the offense doesn’t figure out how to move the ball and extend possessions.

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