North Carolina Football: Tar Heels ready for run at ACC title

Tar Heels look for more defensive improvement in 2021

North Carolina football has shown gradual improvement over the past couple of seasons and was pretty stout at times last season. With more improvement in 2021, this could be a really could defense.

Upfront, North Carolina has some really talented young players, but they are unproven. If some of these guys can hit their ceiling, North Carolina can be an even bigger threat.

Defensive end Tomari Fox is a potential All-ACC member. Ray Vohasek is the anchor in the middle of the defensive line. Jahlil Taylor is one of the young guys they need to improve. UNC has recruited the position well, they just need results. Look out for young freshman Keeshawn Silver and Jahvaree Ritzee as well.

The linebackers are going to be missing Chazz Surratt, who is now a Minnesota Viking, but they have talent at the position. Jeremiah Gemmel is going to become the leader of the defense this season. Tomon Fox and Tyrone Hooper are going to be terrors coming off of the edge this season and Eugene Asante is going to step into the void left by Surratt. Some freshmen to watch will be Power Echols and Raneiria Dillworth.

Much like the defensive line, North Carolina has recruited the secondary very well, but they need those young guys to now step up. Cornerback Tony Grimes was a true freshman last season, but he showed why he is a former five-star recruit. Alongside Grimes at corner will be Storm Duck and he is talented. At safety, Don Chapman and Trey Morrison are slated to be the starters.