The UNC football program's secondary is experienced but has a lot to prove

The UNC football program has quite a few returners in the secondary, but the focus needs to be on improvement for this group heading into the 2024 season.

This unit has earned a lot of heat for its performance, even though they aren't fully to blame for the Tar Heels defensive struggles. The hope is that experience will help this group grow as the UNC football program looks to be better defensively overall.

What We Know:

Alijah Huzzie and Marcus Allen will once again play major roles for the secondary, but look for the UNC football program to try and rely on more players this year as they look to keep everyone as fresh as possible.

There are a few players who should be expected to factor in at the various positions, as the good news is that there appears to be plenty of depth to work with.

The Key Players

Alijah Huzzie

Huzzie was a tremendous transfer addition for the UNC football program, as he clearly was the team's best secondary member a season ago. To add to that, Huzzie showcased his playmaking ability on special teams, as he put together some impressive returns to set the UNC football program in good field position.

While he was featured at the STAR position early on in his first season at North Carolina, Huzzie will likely line up on the outside this season, but he's a player who could be moved around at any given point based on the team's needs.

Marcus Allen

In his first year with an expanded role, Marcus Allen had his ups and downs. However, there's reason to believe that he will improve heading into this season, as the experience playing so many snaps a season ago should definitely benefit him heading into his junior season.

Jakeen Harris

After playing his first five collegiate seasons at that school from Raleigh, Harris moved over to the good side of the state to cap off his career.

The key for Harris is to stay healthy, as he was limited to just two games a season ago. If he's healthy, Harris should fill one of the starting safety positions, as he brings another veteran presence to this unit.

Antavious "Stick" Lane

Another experienced defensive back, Stick Lane is set to play his final collegiate season in 2024. While his snap count was lower than he experienced at Georgia State, Lane is a guy who could see a heavy dosage of play time this season at the safety position.

DeAndre Boykins

If you're looking for a potential comeback player of the year candidate, look no further than DeAndre Boykins.

Boykins was forced to miss the entire 2023 season due to a preseason injury, but is back and ready to contribute among the UNC football program's secondary. He was very productive during his true sophomore season, as the hope is that he can build upon that when he officially returns to action this fall.

Kaleb Cost

The two-sport standout looks to earn some reps at multiple positions among the secondary unit this season.

Outlook:

Sure, the secondary has struggled in the past, but this group has the veteran presence and experience to rewrite the narrative this season. To add to that, the group features some young promising prospects (such as Malcolm Ziglar), as the UNC football program feels much more confident heading into the new season with some much-needed reinforcements added to the mix.

Depth Chart:

Starters:
Corner Backs: Alijah Huzzie, Marcus Allen
Free Safety: Jakeen Harris
Strong Safety: Antavious Lane
STAR: DeAndre Boykins and Kaleb Cost

Reserves: Will Hardy, Major Byrd, Malcolm Ziglar, Ty White, Ty Adams