North Carolina safety Sam Smiley is a sage among his peers.
The fifth-year senior — who is slated to start at free safety this season — has silently guided his teammates since making five starts as a redshirt freshman. But as the only senior likely to see action in the secondary during UNC’s season opener against South Carolina, Smiley accepts his role.
“I’m a quiet guy; I like to stay to myself,” he said. “(But) I’m the leader on the field. I let Des Lawrence lead off the field.”
But Lawrence, a junior cornerback, knows Smiley’s impact carries the greatest weight within the locker room.