Much of the early NFL Draft talk surrounding UNC has centered on whether junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky–a potential first round selection– would forego his final year of eligibility and enter his name in the mix.
On Friday afternoon, however, defensive tackle Naz Jones took to Instagram–where he announced his own intentions to enter the draft.
Named to the All-ACC Third Team in each of the last two seasons, Jones has been one of the lone bright spots among the Tar Heel defensive front in recent years.
“I’m so thankful for this amazing university,” Jones said, in a statement released by the school. “The University of North Carolina has changed me so much since the first day I stepped on campus. Throughout my career, I have been with a family of brothers and found people that have become my closest friends. I want to thank our amazing coaching staff, support staff and an incredible fan base. I know Tar Heel nation will always have my back!”
The redshirt junior–who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs close to 300 pounds–has amassed 138 tackles (20 for a loss) and four sacks during his UNC career.
He recorded a career-high 62 tackles during the 2016 regular season, while also helping to start his own non-profit organization called M.A.D.E Men Mentoring which pairs underpriveleged children with local college athletes.
“It’s been a pleasure coaching Naz throughout his career at UNC and watching him grow as a person both on and off the field,” head coach Larry Fedora said. “He has overcome great physical adversity and improved tremendously since he came into the program in 2013.
“This season he was the leader of our defensive line and someone everyone on the team respected. I believe he has a bright future in professional football if he continues to work hard and focus on being the best he can be.”
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