Defensive Changes, QB Competition, Injuries & Creating an Edge

With new defensive coaches and a new scheme comes changes to positional needs and the type of players that fit the system. UNC will use the spring to begin to figure out who fits where. There are some position changes.

Des Evans will move from an outside linebacker to a “power end.” Chris Collins will play the “Jack” linebacker position.  Jahvaree Ritzie will also be a “power end.” Freshman Travis Shaw will start at three-technique defensive lineman, according to Brown, and Malaki Hamrick will be a standup inside linebacker, which is a little bit of a switch from defensive end or edge rusher from his recruitment. A lot of this could change and that is the beauty of spring practice.

“We’re looking at where they might be,” Brown said. “We need better pass rushers. We think Des (Evans) can be a great pass rusher. And he’s a big body now. He’s 261 pounds at 6-foot-5 plus. And we’ve got to have two there at least so you’ve got he and Ritize that can handle the tight end and help in the run game.

“And then you’ve got guys like Chris Collins and Noah Taylor that can really run and they can blitz, but they can drop. You’re not sure the body type of like Malaki Hamrick. I think he came in at 175 and now he’s already 200 pounds. So if he gets bigger, a bigger body type, he would be able to play either jack or linebacker and he pretty much played that at Shelby (High School), he was all over the place.”

It’s a big spring and offseason for Chizik and Warren, who not only have to evaluate tape from last season and every player, but also teach players potentially new roles and new techniques that fit that position.

“So the biggest thing with the Beau Atkinsons, the Gabe Stephens, and the guys who haven’t been in a spot yet… Right now it’s fun for them because they’re asking, ‘Where am I going to play?’ And Gene (Chizik) is basically telling them, ‘Here’s what we see in the offseason.’ If there is video, ‘Here’s what we see on video.’ He’s taken video of that defense, whether it’s the NFL or sometimes at Auburn, and he’s saying, ‘Here’s you.’ And he circles it. ‘And here’s what I see you doing and why.’

“And they have sat down with every defensive player individually. So I think that’s really created a lot of excitement, probably some anxiety, but a lot of excitement about what they can do and what the coaches want them doing and why. And that’s kind of where we are right now.”