UNC Football: 2023 Positional Preview: Secondary

Our 2023 UNC football position previews continue with a defensive unit that has a new look but will look to improve upon the woes of last season.

The UNC football program’s defense, as a whole, could benefit from improvement this season, as the team’s secondary unit is no different.

Even with a bunch of talented players in the mix, the Tar Heels secondary couldn’t get the job done, as the program heads into this season featuring a whole-new look. From coaching staff changes to players, such as Tony Grimes and Storm Duck, transferring out of the program, the new group may look different, but the goal of slowing down opposing offenses remains the common goal.

What We Know

Dre Bly has left the program, as North Carolina has replaced him with long-time coach Jason Jones. Although he isn’t considered a “splashy name,” there are plenty of reasons to like this addition, as he has familiarity previously working alongside Charlton Warren as well as plenty of experience to work with.

This unit will feature a mix of returners and newcomers as the Tar Heels hit the transfer portal in an effort to find some bodies that could help fill the voids.

The Key Players

Of the players that transferred in, Alijah Huzzie is expected to make the biggest impact. The East Tennessee State transfer comes to Chapel Hill with an impressive resume, as he was a first-team All-American at the FCS level.

The likes of Armani Chapman, Derrik Allen, and Antavious Lane have elected to use their COVID seasons to join the UNC football program, as they hope to re-shape the team’s secondary at least for the 2023 campaign.

Among the returners,  DeAndre Boykins, Giovanni Biggers, and Will Hardy saw extended playing time last season, as their roles increased as the season progressed. The experience should help them, especially as they are in line to see significant playing time this upcoming season.

Don Chapman will look to provide a veteran presence in his final season on campus, while Lejond Cavazos (who is currently sidelined due to injury) hopes to make an impact upon his return to the field.

Outlook

With regard to the secondary, it feels as if Mack Brown and the UNC football program are attempting to essentially reset at this position. With a veteran coach taking over this unit to a mix of players who aren’t stars but have the ability to get the job done, the Tar Heels understand that this rebuilding process isn’t just a one-year fix.

However, in order to reach the goals that the program has in place, this group has to be better. This unit can’t afford to put up another poor season-long performance, as their success (or lack of) will be a major factor in whether or not the Tar Heels defense can turn things around this season.

Depth Chart

Cornerbacks
Marcus Allen
Alijah Huzzie
Tayon Holloway
Armani Chatman
Lejond Cavazos

Safeties
Gio Biggers
Will Hardy
Don Chapman
Derrik Allen
Antavious Lane

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