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North Carolina Football: 3 upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

By Dante Pryor

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 06: The North Carolina Tar Heels take the field during their game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 58-55. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 06: The North Carolina Tar Heels take the field during their game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 58-55. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Cam’Ron Kelly #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels tackles Justyn Ross #8 of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 28, 2019, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 21-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Cam’Ron Kelly #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels tackles Justyn Ross #8 of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 28, 2019, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 21-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

One aspect of North Carolina’s disappointing season was their defense, finishing 94th in total defense. Teams were able to sustain drives against the Tar Heels as well. UNC finished 118th in first downs allowed, worst than Duke and Kansas.

Anytime teams can possess the ball, keep their offense off the field, and consistently score, it will be hard to win games.

The Tar Heels’ defense finished 84th in the country in passing yards allowed. Their inability to stop the pass was a big reason for their seven losses this season. There were many games the Tar Heels waisted an excellent offensive performance.

North Carolina had one stand-out performer in its secondary, safety Cam’Ron Kelly, leading the team in interceptions and third in total tackles. Kelly will have to step up for the Tar Heels to improve their pass defense.

Kelly is not the only defensive back who needs to step up his game this fall. Junior corner Tony Grimes — who led the team in passes defended — also needs to play well. Kelly and Grimes are veterans who need to play to expectations this fall for the defense to improve.

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