The UNC football program's defensive line needs to be disruptive in 2024
Our UNC football positional previews for the 2024 college football season move over to the defensive side of the ball, as we'll focus on the team's defensive line unit.
The Tar Heels have struggled defensively over the last few seasons and hope that new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins can help change that. This unit of players should also benefit from having former NFL assistant Ted Monachino leading the group, as the coaching staff will look to get this unit to be more disruptive this go around.
Sure, plenty of people blame the secondary for past woes, as they are easy targets in the passing game. However, they can't fully be to blame, as it's also important to generate pressure in the backfield to make it more difficult for opposing offenses to run their plays correctly.
This year's defensive line group has plenty of veteran experience, but is it the year that they all finally put it together?
What We Know
Kaimon Rucker is back for his fifth (and final) season as a Tar Heel, and he'll be sporting a new number for his farewell tour. Rucker is the star of this group and should continue to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, but he will definitely need some help from the others around him, as other players must take advantage of opportunities when opposing offenses put a heavy emphasis on slowing Rucker down.
The Key Players
Kaimon Rucker
Rucker put together a monster 2023 season, as his 60 quarterback pressures are the third most of any player returning to college football this season. He will look to surpass the 8.5 sacks he recorded during the 2023 season, as the hope is that officials will actually call some of the holds that offensive lineman tend to get away with while trying to block the Tar Heels star defensive lineman.
Desmond Evans
Evans has shown flashes of his potential during his UNC football career but simply hasn't been able to put it all together.
Ultimately, Evans might just be the more important player for this year's unit, as the Tar Heels desperately need him to be more consistent in order to draw some of the attention off of Rucker.
If he doesn't showcase that needed consistency, this next player has the potential to be a breakout candidate for the UNC football program this season.
Beau Atkinson
Atkinson wasn't used nearly as much as Evans a season ago, but he still found a way to be a very productive player for the Tar Heels.
Over a total of 229 snaps played, Atkinson made things happen, as he recorded 19 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback pressures. If he can get off to a strong start during the 2024 season, Atkinson might just work his way into a much bigger role this season, as he the UNC football program would love to see him have a breakout year.
Kevin Hester Jr.
As a whole, the UNC football program's defensive tackles underperformed a season ago.
Kevin Hester Jr. was a strong performer in the run defense, but did definitely struggle when other teams elected to pass the football. Over 411 snaps, Hester Jr. did not record a single tackle for loss, a stat that must change during the 2024 season.
A veteran with a lot of experience, Hester looks to be more of an impact player in both running and passing situations.
Jahvaree Ritzie
While Hester Jr. struggled on pass defense, Jahvaree Ritzie was brutal as a run defender. He showed the ability to be a solid pass rusher, but his struggles in the run game (especially tackling) could come back to haunt him if the trend continues this season.
Travis Shaw
We've heard so much about the potential of Travis Shaw, but he simply hasn't put it all together yet.
The coaching staff changes could ultimately help Shaw unlock his true potential, as the hope is that Geoff Collins can get the best out of this former five-star talent.
If they can tap into his true potential, he has the skillset to be a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
Joshua Harris
A transfer from Ole Miss (and formerly NC State), Harris was brought in to provide some depth at the defensive tackle position.
He's never been a guy to play a bunch of snaps in his career, but he is someone who can be effective in certain situations. Expect Harris to be part of the team's defensive line rotation, especially with Mack Brown vying to play more players this season.
Outlook
There's a lot of question marks with this unit heading into the 2024 season.
If the UNC football program aims to be better defensively, this unit must tap into its true potential to make it happen. They can not afford to struggle upfront, especially in passing situations, as the defensive line needs to be the anchor that sets the tone for this unit throughout the entire year.
Depth Chart
Projected Starters:
Defensive End: Desmond Evans
Nose Tackle: Kevin Hester Jr.
Defensive Tackle- Jahvaree Ritzie
Edge- Kaimon Rucker
Reserves:
Defensive End- Beau Atkinson, Jacolbe Cowan
Nose Tackle- Travis Shaw
Defensive Tackle- Joshua Harris
Edge- Mali Hamrick