UNC’s depth on the defensive side of the ball took a hit on Thursday, as Inside Carolina’s Greg Barnes reported that senior linebacker Jonathan Smith will put his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

An in-state recruit from Scotland County High School in Laurinburg, Smith has played in 26 games as a Tar Heel–including eight starts. He made his way up the team’s depth chart under head coach Larry Fedora, but fell out of favor with the new coaching staff led by Mack Brown.

Smith missed spring practice and was suspended for UNC’s first two games this season due to academic reasons.

In that time, sophomore Jeremiah Gemmel and former quarterback Chazz Surratt surpassed Smith on the depth chart with their outstanding play.

Because he has yet to play in four total games this season, Smith will be able to redshirt and keep his fourth year of eligibility when he transfers.

In the three games where Smith did see action, he played on 104 snaps split between defense and special teams. His stats consist of three tackles and one quarterback hurry.

For his career at UNC, Smith has 71 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss.

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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