The North Carolina Tar Heels come into the 2022 season with mixed expectations. Some think they can win the Coastal. Other experts look at their youth and question how effectively this team could fight against the top of the ACC. The sentiments within the Chapel Hill program are high, but this season will likely come down to two position groups.
New Look Coastal Offense
Outside observers would likely posit quarterback as the most important position for the team since Drake Maye is taking over the position of NFL draft pick Sam Howell. “NOT SO FAST”- Lee Corso voice. Other positions are going to do the heavy lifting for this Tar Heel team of newcomers.
On offense, the running backs will take a larger share of the total workload. The running back room will likely turn into a multiple back look at the group takes on a larger role. The Tar Heels have major red flags in their receiving room with inexperienced players taking on bigger roles such as Justin Olson. The receivers lost Antoine Green already for a part of the season, so new faces are lining up besides Josh Downs to do some damage. Look for TE Nesbit to make a strong push for biggest asset on the offense.
Defensive Overview
The Tar Heels have been susceptible on defense the last couple seasons. Now, they are focused on changing the culture under DC Gene Chizik. After strong recruiting seasons out of the Virginia Beach area, there is talent at all three levels of the defense. Coastal defenses are always controversial; Chizik and star coach Dre Bly will have to work some magic to ready this unit ready for the big games. Dre Bly’s impact on the “RUDE Boys” will need to extend into this season.
The defensive line should improve after up and down seasons. However, the linebackers will be key to the performance of the unit. Special talents such as Power Echols will have to make split second decisions and finish plays on third down if the Tar Heels defense wants to improve. The defense will likely run a 4-3. This is because the highest concentration of talent comes from the defensive line. If the team strays from this base, a large question will remain in who will be the fourth linebacker or nickel corner?
If the linebackers and running backs can hit their marks- look for the Tar Heels to be the favorites in the ACC Coastal.
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