So far, 8 of 11 UNC transfers are from the defense.

These are still uncharted waters with the college transfer portal interfacing with NIL payments and how much one has to do with the other. As Carolina announced its wide range of collectives to help athletes, this is more about the football program than profits.

The name that stands out the most is 5-star cornerback Tony Grimes, who battled injuries through three seasons, all of which were under-productive with only one interception. If he is still considered a hot prospect, perhaps his new start comes with NIL money.

Kicker Jonathan Kim, who wanted to put points on the board more than merely kicking off, and quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who was beaten out by Drake Maye, obviously desire more playing time and perhaps money will follow. But it’s unclear why the other seven besides Grimes left a defense that clearly needs help.

So, does this go back to a defense that did not improve much with the change in coordinators from deposed Jay Bateman to celebrated Gene Chizik? Bateman’s last defense that got him fired gave up 5,500 total yards in 13 games or 422 per game. Chizik’s defense so far this season has allowed 5,700 yards or 438 per game.

Against the rush, last year’s team gave up 300 more yards and 23 touchdowns and 500 fewer yards passing but 27 TDs. This season, which still has one more game to go, the Tar Heel defense was better vs. the run by 200 yards that allowed 27 touchdowns and considerably worse against the pass, giving up 500 more yards and 25 touchdowns.

So the players who left had plenty of opportunities to get more snaps on the field but did not stay. And we’ll have to see how many defensive transfers Mack Brown signs after the Holiday Bowl to not only fill those roster spots but shore up what has been, at best, an inconsistent defense that forced Maye and the offense to try to outscore the opponent in most games.

This is the conundrum for Carolina and Brown, who clearly don’t “buy” players up front with NIL money. They need to improve their defense for next season in order for Maye to get the ball back sooner with the score in his favor. And while the incoming transfers may have plenty of potential, some proven stars won’t come for no cash.

 

Featured image via Inside Carolina/Jim Hawkins

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