Dee Hardison, an All-America defensive tackle at Carolina in 1977, passed away Saturday at UNC Hospitals. The 61-year-old Hardison had been battling heart and kidney problems.
A native of Newton Grove, Hardison was a three-year starter in the Tar Heels' defensive line from 1975 to 1977. He won first-team All-ACC honors in 1976 and 1977. He earned consensus All-America honors as a senior.
Hardison was the star of one of the best defenses in Carolina history. The Tar Heels led the ACC in total defense, rushing defense, pass defense and scoring defense in 1977. Carolina topped the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 7.