Power Echols looks to lead the UNC football program's linebacker unit in 2024

With Cedric Gray leaving for the NFL, the UNC football program will need some other guys to step up at the linebacker position.
Sep 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Power Echols (23) looks on  before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Power Echols (23) looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Over the last few seasons, Cedric Gray has essentially anchored the entire UNC football program's defense.

The former Tar Heel linebacker is now competing on Sundays in the NFL, as North Carolina's linebacker core looks a bit different than it did a season ago.

While there are two returning familiar faces to the mix, there's plenty of uncertainty with this unit, as the depth chart features a lot of inexperience. However, Geoff Collins hopes that the returning duo can carry the load, similar to how the team relied on two main linebackers a season ago.

What We Know

What we know is quite simple: the UNC football program CAN NOT afford any injuries at this position.

The combination of Gray and Power Echols essentially never came off the field a season ago, as Echols will once again be relied upon to carry a major load. The hope is that Amare Campbell can embrace a larger role in Echols' old spot as the veteran transitions to fill the void at middle linebacker.

The Key Players

Power Echols

Heading into his senior season, Echols will be asked to play an even bigger role for the Tar Heels defense than he has over the last three seasons.

A two-year starter, Echols has proven his ability to get to the ball carrier as he's recorded 100+ tackles in each of those respective seasons. Expect to see a lot more of the same this season, even though he'll be lining up at another position this go around.

Sure, he'll be lining up at different linebacker position, but if anyone can handle the adjusted role, it's certainly Power Echols.

2023 Stats (13 games played): 102 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, four quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, one interception and a pass breakup

Amare Campbell

Campbell is projected to play a much bigger role during the 2024 season, as Mack Brown and the Tar Heels coaching staff have a lot of faith in the rising sophomore.

The hope is that the broken right hand he suffered during training camp doesn't keep him out of action long, as the UNC football program needs him to get in his reps (especially alongside Echols) as they prepare for the start of the season.

While his experience thus far has been limited, Amare Campbell is definitely a player to watch as a potential breakout candidate.

2023 Stats (11 games played): 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and an interception

Outlook

Other than Echols, this positional group doesn't have much experience under its belt. However, opportunities present themselves, as the hope is that this unit shows that it is much better than people are giving them credit for.

How Campbell performs will be a major storyline to follow, as the Tar Heels need him to prove that he is more than capable of handling a much bigger role. The injury bug will also be vital to stay away from, as the Tar Heels simply can't afford for one (or both) of their starters to be sidelined.

Depth Chart

Starters: Power Echols, Amare Campbell

Reserves: Caleb LaVallee, Michael Short, Cade Lawson