UNC Football: Chazz Surratt among early ‘Hard Knocks’ stars

The former UNC football star was among the featured players in the first episode of ‘Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets.’

The HBO series ‘Hard Knocks’ is officially back, as the first episode of the new season was released on Tuesday night.

This year’s featured squad is none other than the New York Jets, a franchise that has a ton of hype heading into the 2023 season.

Although some feel that the show is a distraction, it does have some positive aspects to it. For players fighting for a roster spot, it’s a great opportunity to become a household name, as former UNC football standout Chazz Surratt was one of the biggest beneficiaries from the show’s first episode.

Viewed prior as a player fighting for a roster spot, the first episode certainly made it seem as if Surratt’s roster spot was more secure than originally thought.

In the episode, highlights from the Hall of Fame game were shown, as the former Tar Heel made some big plays, most notably an interception, which helped lead to a Jets touchdown.

After Surratt’s play, head coach Robert Saleh was shown on the sideline with a big smile on his face. Here’s what the Jets’ head coach had to say about his young linebacker:

"I f****** love that guy. That’s my f****** dog!"

If it wasn’t evident before, it seems like Saleh loves what he sees from the former UNC football standout. Saleh, one of the best defensive minds in all of the sport, has worked with some top-tier talent, as it’s a true compliment that he recognizes what Chazz Surratt brings to the table.

Every year, certain players benefit from the spotlight that ‘Hard Knocks’ has to offer. Based on the first episode, it looks like Surratt could be one of those players this year.

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC football news, updates, and recruiting.