North Carolina UNC Tar Heels football coach Mack Brown linebacker Cedric Gray Chizik yards points allowed ACC

CHARLOTTE – The University of North Carolina Tar Heels’ defense faced their fair share of criticism and disappointment last season. So, as they gear up for the 2023 campaign, the Heels are determined to shed the stigma of the past and show the world this year's unit has evolved into something more formidable.

The defensive struggles were evident in the UNC's 2023 statistics. UNC 30.79 points per game, which was ranked 102nd in the country and marked the worst ever by a UNC team that finished with a winning record. In non-conference games, Carolina’s defense gave up an alarming 37.2 points per game to opponents. However, the defense showed glimpses of improvement during ACC play, allowing a significantly lower average of 24 points per game.

Led by All-American linebacker Cedric Gray, the guys on that side of the ball have embraced the challenges that come with taking needed big steps forward this fall.

"As the leader of the defense, I take it personally when people talk about how bad we've been at times," said Gray. "But this offseason, we've been working hard, becoming better football players, and getting in the film room to become smarter. We've got a year under our belt with Coach Chizik and this new defense, and I believe you'll see a much-improved version of our defense this year."

Gray has reasons to believe in the defensive unit's improvement. One of the key areas of focus has been implementing new wrinkles up front. The line, in particular, has made significant strides during the spring and summer, showcasing improvement and growth, THI has been told by sources very close to the program, and backed up by Gray during the ACC Kickoff last week.

"I think our D-line has improved tremendously," Gray explained. "Working with them throughout the spring and summer, we've added some new wrinkles to the pass rush game. Not only that, but I think, like I said, this is our second year in the defense.

“I think everybody has a better understanding of how we're trying to attack teams and different things like that. So, I definitely do think it will be better this year."

Furthermore, the defense has taken a proactive approach to enhance communication and cohesiveness by holding combined safety and linebacker meetings. Gray highlighted the importance of these joint sessions, which have helped both positions better understand each other's roles, ultimately fostering better teamwork on the field.

"One of the different approaches from this year to last year is that we've been doing a lot of safety and linebacker meetings together," Gray stated. "Having those meetings together, and we all seeing things tighter as linebackers and safeties, is helping us come together and be more cohesive as a defense."

While many are aware of the player-led meeting that occurred following the loss to Notre Dame last season, there was another previously unreported meeting that took place at the end of the campaign. Gray revealed the team gathered once more to strategize on how to attack the offseason and avoid repeating the same mistakes in the upcoming year.

"This offseason, we are building off what we did towards the last part of the season," Gray said. "We have a lot of leaders on the defense, vocal guys who hold everyone accountable and work together to improve, whether it's in the film room or on the field.

“That player-led meeting at the end of the season had a significant impact, and we've been carrying that energy and determination into our preparations for this year."

UNC Coach Mack Brown recognizes the challenges faced by the defense but remains confident in their ability to retool and compete at a high level. The second year under Chizik's defensive scheme and the addition of new transfer players provide optimism for a stronger and more aggressive defense.

"We'll be good on defense," said Brown. "We've got to be more aggressive up front and stop the run more on first down. The game has changed, and we'll get tested early in the season with tough opponents."

With opening kickoff right around the corner, the Tar Heels defense is on a mission to silence the doubters and rewrite their narrative in 2023.