Pre-snap and the first second and a half of a football play is on the coaches. How have the Tar Heels on the defensive side of the ball evolved since last season in terms of speed, strength and technique? What call are they in? Have they lined up correctly? Have they been schooled in recognizing the offense's tendencies and the clues that signal what might be coming? Are they communicating effectively among one another?
With those thoughts in mind, head coach Mack Brown and defensive coordinator Gene Chizik have made a number of adjustments since the 2022 season ended with the Tar Heels posting a 9-5 record and ACC Coastal Division championship.