2009 Record: 8-5
Highest/Final Ranking: 18/unranked
Bowl: Meineke Car Care Bowl, lost 19-17
The Tar Heel's defense is it's greatest strength, and will most likely rank among the best in the nation. Their defensive line is arguably the prize piece, consisting of two future NFL first rounders in end Robert Quinn and tackle Marvin Austin (both pictured above). Quinn, standing at 6'5" and weighing 260 pounds, is built like an elite pass rusher and plays the part as well. The junior, who posted 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, proved to be as disruptive to opposing offenses as any other player in the country. NFL scouts are already looking at Quinn as a potential top five selection in next year's draft. The 300 pound Marvin Austin is a hulking presence in the middle of the defensive line. He is unusually quick for a big guy, and can get off blocks with great speed to either sack the quarterback or stuff the run. If Austin can build off his successful junior campaign he should be without a doubt one of the premier interior lineman in all of college football.The future NFL talents for the Tar Heels' defense don't just end on its front line. Senior linebackers Bruce Carter (below) and Quan Sturdivant are both seen as preseason All-Americans, and with very good reason. They are explosive, fast, and physical athletes who also have innate abilities to get to the football. Sturdivant, specifically, is the vocal leader of the defense and one of the country's most versatile outside linebackers; being able to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and drop back in coverage. The Heels' secondary is loaded with experience and talent, featuring All-ACC selections safety Deunta Williams and corner back Kendric Burney (right). Williams and Burney, paired with their fellow seniors, cornerback Charles Brown and strong safety Da'Norris Searcy, form one of the best secondaries in the college ranks.
The Tar Heels' success this upcoming fall will rely on their offense, returning 10 starters. If veteran quarterback TJ Yates is able to limit his turnovers, unlike in 2009 where he threw 15 picks, UNC should find the end zone much more often. Redshirt freshman Bryan Renner is ready to step into the starting role if Yates continues to struggle. The running game should be in fine shape, with Shaun Draughn coming back from injury and Ryan Houston now with experience under his belt. The two backs should form a potent 1-2 punch, combining Draughn's speed with Houston's power. Yates should have plenty of targets to throw to, with senior Greg Little as the offense's primary receiver. Sophomores Jhernie Boyd and Erik Highsmith are both expected to develop and build off the experience they gained as freshman. The offensive line, marred by injuries last season, will be headed up by talented guards Alan Pelc and Jonathan Cooper. UNC's offense might not be the strongest unit in the ACC, but should be able to produce solid numbers if injuries are avoided and Yates keeps his cool under center.Linebacker Bruce Carter last spring, addressing him and his teammates decisions to return to school: "We had a goal in mind, to win a national championship. We basically came back for that reason. To go out on top is the ultimate goal." The Tar Heels are driven this year, and for that precise reason. Butch Davis was able to convince players like Carter, Robert Quinn, Marvin Austin, Quan Sturdivant, and Deunta Williams to pass up opportunities to become early round NFL draft picks and return to school for another run at college football glory. Key match ups that could make or break 2010 for the Tar Heels are a trip to Atlanta to play LSU September 4th, a home game against Georgia Tech September 18th, and a late November clash against Virginia Tech in Chapel Hill.
-John Stoller
