UNC Football: 2022 Positional Preview: Safeties
By Aaron Conrad
Will experience, a new secondary coach, and an offseason of development be enough for the UNC football program to overcome the difficulties of the 2021 season?
We are just a few days away from the start of the 2022 UNC Football campaign and one area to keep an eye on will certainly be the play of the safeties. While this is an experienced group, questions remain about last season’s performance. Will the experience and a new secondary coach take them to the next level? We won’t know until the games are played but we can, at least, meet this year’s safeties.
WHAT WE KNOW
We know that the safety room will be filled with veteran experience. We also know that there is significant buzz around the communication of new defensive back coach Charlton Warren and the upgrades and attention made to the defense overall.
We know that the Tar Heels will be without the services of Junior Ja’Qurious Conley until late September or potentially early October. Conley is continuing to return from tearing his ACL late last season.
We know that there is excitement in camp around redshirt freshman Dontavius Nash and true freshman Will Hardy.
What we do not know is if the experience, communication, health, and excitement will be enough to solidify the backend of the defense this season.
THE KEY PLAYERS
Cam’Ron Kelly
Kelly appeared in all 13 games last season. He was tied for the ACC lead with four interceptions and was third on the team with 69 tackles. Altogether, his versatility played a key role in the secondary for the Tar Heels. The expectation is he will continue his growth and have another solid 2022 campaign.
Giovanni Biggers
Like Kelly, Biggers appeared in all 13 games last season. He registered 45 tackles and one sack. As he enters his senior season, he looks to expand on each of those categories.
Don Chapman
Chapman appeared in 8 games last season for the Tar Heels and registered a total of 27 tackles. Each of those numbers will likely increase this season as he sees more action and helps to solidify this group of safeties.
Ja’Qurious Conley
Conley appeared in 11 games for the Tar Heels, starting 10 of them. His season was cut short when he tore his ACL in a game against Wofford. During his 10 games, he had 46 tackles. He is expected to return in late September or early October.
Dontavius Nash
Nash is a redshirt freshman who played in 4 games last season for the Tar Heels. He saw time on the field at both defensive back and on special teams.
Newcomers
Will Hardy
One name to remember and keep an eye on is Will Hardy. Hardy is a true freshman but the word out of camp is that he could see time with the Tar Heels this season. Hardy played for his father, Tim Hardy, and comes to the Tar Heels ranked as the number 37 athlete in his class by 247Sports Composite.
OUTLOOK
The outlook for the safeties appears to be high. With a new voice in defensive back coach Charlton Warren and significant experience, the belief is that they will have a solid season. When Conley returns from his injury this group will get even stronger. There is solid depth and leadership. Overall, I would anticipate a strong 2022 campaign from the safeties.
DEPTH CHART
STARTER: Giovanni Biggers, Cam’Ron Kelly,
BACKUP: Don Chapman, Will Hardy
RESERVES: Dontavius Nash
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