With a mixture of returning players and some key transfer additions, the UNC football program will heavily rely on its experienced secondary to play a major role in limiting the opposing team's passing attack.
While most of the positional depth charts feature whole new looks, the secondary unit possesses some returning talent who has proven experience in Chapel Hill. Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels staff have complimented that talent with some added reinforcements via the transfer portal, putting together a unit that will be more than capable this upcoming season.
What We Know
Marcus Allen and Kaleb Cost, two key contributors from last year's squad, are back in the fold, looking to continue building on their success under the new coaching regime. Will Hardy is another veteran leader who should factor into the team's secondary at the safety position.
We also know that the Tar Heels will need to replace the production from Alijah Huzzie, a two-year starter who played multiple positions for the UNC football program.
Key Players
Marcus Allen
Heading into his senior season, Allen is the clear leader of this unit.
Allen has had his fair share of ups and downs during his three seasons in Chapel Hill, which should be expected due to the position he plays. There are a ton of factors that go into playing the cornerback spot, and when the surrounding unit doesn't get the job done, it's extremely difficult to succeed in one on one matchups.
There's no denying that Allen has the talent. Hopefully, the new defensive coaching staff unlocks his untapped potential in his final go around at North Carolina.
Thaddeus Dixon
Another transfer from Washington, Dixon follows his defensive coordinator to Chapel Hill to continue his collegiate career.
Dixon is expected to play opposite of Allen at the cornerback spot. He's coming off a strong season in which he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, racking up 69 tackles, 16 pass breakups and two interceptions.
Kaleb Cost
Cost has developed nicely during his two seasons at North Carolina thus far, as the projected slot corner showed the ability to make some big-time plays. His 84-yard pick-six against Pittsburgh is a highlight Tar Heel fans fondly remember, as they hope there's more of those to come this season.
Gavin Gibson
A transfer from East Carolina, Gibson hopes to end his college football career in style during his lone season with the Tar Heels.
Another option at the nickel position, Gibson made 52 tackles a season ago while intercepting three passes, proving to be another veteran who should impact the UNC football program's secondary this season.
Coleman Bryson
Tar Heel fans might remember him from last season, when he played against North Carolina as a member of the Minnesota Gophers.
Now, Bryson, a redshirt junior, looks to earn a bigger role with his new team, hoping to build on his 20 tackle season a year ago.
Will Hardy
A leader on and off the field for the UNC football program, Hardy provides plenty of experience leading up to his senior season. He's appeared in 28 games over three seasons at North Carolina, providing stability at the safety position along with making his mark on special teams.
Hardy was in attendance for the ACC Kickoff Event, another indication that Bill Belichick and the UNC football program's new-look staff believe in him, just as the old regime did. They hope that Hardy can provide some stability to a roster that features a whole new look this upcoming season.
Outlook
This positional group has the potential to be the Tar Heels' best defensive asset this upcoming season. The group they were able to put together possesses a ton of experience and talent, as it's certain that Steve Belichick will rely on this unit a ton to help limit opposing team's success through the air.
Depth Chart
First Team:
FCB: Marcus Allen
SS: Gavin Gibson
FS: Coleman Bryson/Will Hardy
BCB: Thaddeus Dixon
NB: Kaleb Cost
Second Team:
FCB: Jalon Thompson
SS: Greg Smith/Malcolm Ziglar
FS: Coleman Bryson/Will Hardy
BCB: Ty Adams
NB: Tre Miller/Ty White