CHAPEL HILL - North Carolina Defensive Coordinator Geoff Collins spoke to the media on Monday as the Tar Heels prepare for the regular season finale against NC State.
UNC allowed 41 points in the defeat at Boston College after surrendering just 16.33 points per game over its three-game winning streak.
Above is video of Collins’ presser and below are some notes from what he had to say:
*Boston College converted seven of its 15 third-down attempts, as the UNC defense often failed to get off the field. Collins discussed what hindered the Tar Heels and how they can improve moving forward, including in Sunday’s film session.
“[We focused] on just relying on the thigns that had made us successful, especially on third downs. We had them pinned up, we had really good coverage, and we just couldn’t finish on the sack, which we’ve been doing a really good job the last couple weeks especially… We’ve got to finish the plays when we have a chance to make them.”
*Des Evans was successful in putting pressure on the quarterback, but on multiple occasions, a second or third defender was not there to finish the play. Collins talked about the athletic ability of Boston College quarterback Grayson James and how it was a big factor.
*Another athletic quarterback awaits in NC State’s CJ Bailey, who has emerged as one of the top freshman in the country.
“[He] has a live arm, does a really nice job with the offense, [and] has zip on the ball. [It] looks like as the season’s gone on, he’s very comfortable with the scheme, very comfortable with reading coverages, [knowing] where the pressure’s coming from and where the outlets are with the ball. When all of that has been covered or breaks down, he’s able to make plays with his feet too. He’s a really good player.”
*Collins has 11 games under his belt as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator, and he believes the vision he had when joining the coaching staff in January has come together and sets up UNC for the future.
“We actually ended yesterday’s unit meeting with the last three plays of the game, where it was all the young guys out there: Jaybron (Harvey) making a tackle-for-loss, Beau (Atkinson) making another tackle-for-loss like he usually does, and just a bunch of young guys on the field getting a four and out… There are building blocks, the attitude, the mindset, [and] all kinds of things [that] are in place to take a next step as we move forward.”
*Collins credited the seniors playing their last game for setting the building blocks for the future and talked about the adversity they’ve faced and the respect he has for them.
*Linebacker Michael Short recorded a season-high 19 defensive snaps against Boston College, just the second time this year he’s tallied double-digit snaps. Collins talked about his development.
“He’s a really good player, and the thing I’m so proud about [with] Michael, is the development of a player begins in special teams. He’s taken that to heart, he’s made it personal, he’s developed in every single phase of his game. As the season goes on, there he is getting meaningful reps on defense.”
*Will Hardy amassed just 63 defensive snaps through the season’s first six games, but has once again emerged as a staple in the secondary with 157 snaps over the last five games. Collins spoke about Hardy’s progression and how he’s seen him improve in certain areas.
