CHAPEL HILL – UINC junior linebacker Andre Smith met with some members of the media following the Tar Heels’ first practice of fall camp.

Smith, the starting Mike linebacker, spoke about the growing depth at linebacker, the need for the defense to improve, told a funny story about LB coach Mike Ekeler, the Heels practicing in Kenan Stadium and much more.

A few samples from this Q&A:

*Regarding the depth of the linebacker group:

“I think we have a lot of depth, a lot of guys that can play. Me, Cole (Holcomb), Cayson (Collins), Ayden (Bonilla), Dominque Ross, Hunter Crafford, Jonathan Smith, we have a lot of guys that can play, have been here for a while, played some real live snaps and we are really deep.”

*About first-year linebacker coach Mike Ekeler and one of his teaching tools:

“He’s ABT. If you ever talk to coach Ekeler about coaching tactics, he’s ABT – All ’Bout Technique. Not about technique, ’bout technique. So really, he’s just made us technicians.”

*The Tar Heels have to practice in Kenan Stadium all season because the old practice field is where the new indoor facility is being built. What does Smith think about this change:

“I love the shorter walk. Going to practice you feel a lot different coming out. Making that walk is a little bit of a burden. I enjoy being out here. I like being on the grass better, at Navy the defense was always on the turf… and I’d rather practice on the grass.”