UNC Football Spring Game: A closer look at the defensive line

We have already taken a closer look at the offensive side of the UNC football program, but today we start on the opposite side of the field, as we continue with the 2021 version of the defensive line.

Quarterback | Running Backs | Wide Receivers/Tight Ends | Offensive-Line

UNC football has now completed their ninth spring practice and head coach Mack Brown has publicly issued the defensive challenge of improving on stopping the run and rushing the passer. For a team that is returning 21-of-22 starters from the Orange Bowl, while also adding the 13th-ranked recruiting class in the nation, the expectations are extremely high.

Co-defensive coordinators Jay Bateman and Tommy Thigpen, along with defensive line coach Tim Cross, have relayed Brown’s challenge to the players; and the players have accepted that challenge. This is a deep and talented position group that is arguably the most improved on the roster. There were times during the 2020 season when they were simply worn down due to lack of depth. Barring an unforeseen catastrophe, that does not appear as likely to happen in 2021. Out of the twelve defensive linemen listed on the roster, ten look like they could contribute this coming fall.

The top three in the room are senior Raymond Vohasek (All ACC Honorable Mention, 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks with four hurries), and juniors Tomari Fox (All-ACC Academic, 46 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks and three hurries) and Jahlil Taylor (made two starts in 2020, 18 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two hurries). The next four sophomores all saw live action last season, albeit in a limited role, but will now be expected to be reliable contributors on the defense. They are Clyde Pinder, Jr., Myles Murphy, Kristian Varner and Kevin Hester, Jr. They have all taken advantage of the off-season conditioning program, as they average around 302 pounds each.

I am including redshirt freshman Kedrick Bingley-Jones to the incoming talent since he was hurt for most of last season. Adding the 295-pound wrecking machine to Jahvaree Ritzie (2020 4-star and eighth in the state of North Carolina) and Keeshawn Silver (2020 5-star and eighth overall in the country) gives the group added strength and explosiveness that will only help to elevate the defense to a top-25 unit. Rounding out the group is sophomore William Robertson and redshirt freshman Colby Doreen, though both appear to need more time in the weight room.

Think that defense is not important to play at a championship level? Since 2014, five of the seven eventual national champions finished the season ranked inside the top 13 in points allowed. UNC football is now poised to make a substantial jump toward being a College Football Playoff contender, as there is a distinct upgrade on the defensive side of the ball for 2021. Combining that defense with an offense led by Heisman candidate Sam Howell does nothing but add to the heightened expectations for the coming season.

A quote from the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant comes to mind when he said “Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.” Even though Chapel Hill is 581 miles from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I know that if the “Bear” were to look down on Chapel Hill this fall, he would be smiling.

You can watch the UNC Spring game on Saturday April 24 at 3:00pm on the ACC Network.

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