This season, only three defensive backs in all of college football have 10 or more pass break-ups against Power 5 opponents.
Two of them reside in the North Carolina football team’s secondary — junior cornerback Des Lawrence and sophomore cornerback M.J. Stewart.
In victories over Pittsburgh and Duke, Stewart and Lawrence have combined for 11 pass break-ups. As a team, the Tar Heels lead the ACC with 38 passes defended and are tied for third in interceptions with 11.
Lawrence, who has defended 11 passes this season, said the key for the players in the secondary has been getting their hands on receivers early and timing the arrival of the ball.