UNC Football Preview: Defensive line
By Zack Pearson
Our UNC Football previews for the 2019 season continue with the defensive line and what we should expect from that unit this season
While the focus has been on the offense for the North Carolina Tar Heels in their second stint under head coach Mack Brown, we shouldn’t ignore what this defense could do in 2019.
The Tar Heels are hoping their defense improves in 2019 and that all starts up front with what is a talented defensive line. UNC lost Jalen Dalton, Malik Carney, and Jeremiah Clarke to graduation, all key players on the defensive line last season. But they do return some talent and could be a big factor to the success this season.
Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is in his first year with the program and we should see some different looks along the front seven from years past. Bateman’s packages could include anything from a 3-4 to nickel to even a 3-3-5 lineup that should be refreshing for UNC fans.
But what will Bateman do with this defensive line group? Well, let’s dig in a little more in our defensive line preview…
WHAT WE KNOW
UNC enters the 2019 season with some strong depth along the defensive line. They not only have good starters but the guys behind them can fill in when needed. This is huge for the rotation of the line as Bateman will look to keep his guys fresh throughout the game.
The standout on this line is fifth-year senior Aaron Crawford. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive tackle is a beast on the interior and figures to make life hell on opposing offensive lineman.
Crawford has shown us his ability to create pressure on quarterback and win his one-on-one battles in the past. If he does get double teamed, it should open up some more opportunities for guys like Jason Strowbridge or even Tomon Fox on the line.
Behind those guys though, it gets a little dicey. The Tar Heels really don’t have any proven depth behind the three mentioned above and forcing some freshmen or players that haven’t had game reps could wind up being a big downfall for this position.
THE KEY PLAYERS
DE Jason Strowbridge
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive end is entering his senior year with the Tar Heels and he’s very athletic for his size. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback whether thats working on the interior or rushing from the edge. Strowbridge is one of the more talented players on this defense and should be someone they rely on when they need a sack the most.
2018 totals: 36 tackles, 8 TFL, 5 sacks.
DT Aaron Crawford
Crawford will work on the interior as the primary nose tackle on this defense as he looks to create some disruption on the offensive line. He will likely be matched up with a center and one of the guards, eating up some blocks and allowing other guys to get to the QB if they can win their one-on-one matchups. Coming off a season in which he only appeared in two games due to a lingering injury, Crawford is hoping to have a huge season in 2019.
2018 totals: N/A
DE Tomon Fox
The edge rusher will be used in a variety of ways this season to rush the passer as Bateman could disguise some unique looks for a player like Fox off the edge. The talent is there for Fox and we have seen flashes of it in his career with the Tar Heels. But can he take it to the next level? If so, UNC’s defensive line could be even better and their pass rush could be among the best in their division.
2018 stats: 27 tackles, 8.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks
OUTLOOK
Health. That’s the bottom line with this unit.
This position has the potential to be really good for UNC this season due to the starters they have but they have to stay healthy. Going into this season, the biggest question mark will be the depth regarding this position.
There isn’t much depth on the defensive line as the players behind the key starters are all inexperienced. Last season, that lack of depth showed and it was ugly. This year, UNC needs to stay healthy in a big way because of Strowbridge or Crawford go down, it could be left up to a freshman or another inexperienced player to be relied on to produce.
With a new defensive scheme from Bateman, if the line can win its battles up front and get to the quarterback, it will make things that much easier for the secondary. And vice-versa with coverage sacks.
Bateman will be working in some new looks for this defensive front as we could see a variety of packages throughout the year. Player’s roles could also change.
For instance, Fox is still a primary pass rusher but he could drop back into coverage on some different plays. The looks that Bateman will give during some games will be interesting to watch as he will have some different things we aren’t used to seeing from a UNC defense.
That includes the defensive line which if they elevate their play could lead to an exciting season for the Tar Heels on defense and possibly all-around.
A year ago there was some uncertainty with this line due to injuries and suspensions. But they go into 2019 healthy which is huge for this defense overall. Now can it stay that way for the course of the season?
Only time will tell.
DEPTH CHART
Starters: Aaron Crawford, Jason Strowbridge, Tomon Fox
Backups: Wisdom Asaboro, Tomari Fox, Kristian Varner, Ray Vohasek, Lancine Turay, Jahlil Taylor, and Kevin Hester.