Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Football: Chazz Surratt opts out of bowl game

By Nick Delahanty

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 24: Chazz Surratt #21 of the North Carolina Tar Heels surveys the field during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Kenan Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 48-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 24: Chazz Surratt #21 of the North Carolina Tar Heels surveys the field during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Kenan Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 48-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The UNC football standout will forgo the Tar Heels bowl game to focus his attention on the upcoming NFL Draft.

Two years ago, you could’ve made the case that Chazz Surratt wouldn’t even finish his collegiate career in Chapel Hill.

Now, Surratt has the potential of being a first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

We all know the tale. Ahead of the 2019 season, Surratt (who was originally brought into the program as a quarterback) transitioned to the linebacker position. It was a move that made huge dividends for the Denver, NC native.

Surratt quickly became the heart of the Tar Heels defense. He is a major reason why Mack Brown and his team were able to turnaround the program so quickly.

After a really impressive first season as a linebacker, Surratt proved this year that he wasn’t a “one hit wonder.” The senior linebacker recorded 91 tackles (7.5 for loss), and also registered six total sacks. He also added an interception, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery as well as three pass breakups.

Due to their very good regular season, the Tar Heels have earned a bid to this year’s Orange Bowl. Mack Brown’s team will take on No. 5 ranked Texas A&M on Saturday, January 2nd.

However, in that game, the Tar Heels will be without their defensive leader.

Surratt has decided to opt-out of the team’s bowl game, as he will now focus his attention on this year’s NFL Draft. The senior linebacker made the news official with the above Instagram post early on Monday morning.

Yes, this is a major blow for the Tar Heels as they prepare for this upcoming bowl game. However, the move should not be surprising, as many athletes who have professional aspirations decided to sit out of their team’s bowl games to avoid the risk of injury.

Not only did the Tar Heels lose Surratt, but also Michael Carter and Dyami Brown as well. Both offensive weapons also announced that they will forgo the team’s bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Although we won’t get one final chance to watch Surratt in action, Tar Heels fans should take some time to realize how important he became to the program. Instead of pursuing opportunities elsewhere, Surratt bet on himself and made a move to help the team. The transition to linebacker paid huge dividends for both Surratt and the Tar Heels.

Surratt is done making an impact on the football field on Saturdays. However, he should have a lot more in store when he hits the field on Sundays at the next level.

Next. UNC Football: Tar Heels running backs finally get the respect they deserve. dark

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding the UNC football program.

Home/UNC Football