UNC Football: 3 players who must step up during the 2024 season

Kaimon Rucker has caused havoc for opposing offensive lines in the past. Heading into his fifth and final season as a Tar Heel, Rucker should draw plenty of attention (and likely double-teams at times), which makes it even more vital for the UNC football program's other defensive lineman to step up to the occasion.

The guy that is due for a breakout party is noneother than Desmond Evans.

Evans has showed flashes of his potential but hasn't been able to put it all together. What better year to do that then this upcoming season?

Over his first four seasons in Chapel Hill, Evans has a total of four sacks, three of which came a season ago. In an effort to get the team's defense back on track, Evans needs to be more of a force in the backfield, both as a pass rusher and run stopper.

While teams will focus on Rucker, Evans should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities to take advantage of this season. The Tar Heels desperately need him to win a good amount of those battles.