The North Carolina Tar Heels defense returns 10 of 11 starters from last season. The lone departure is Chazz Surratt, a two-time first-team All-ACC inside linebacker.
When a defense loses such a talent, especially one that led the team in tackles and played over 90 percent of the snaps at the position, there is usually a drop off at the position.
Yet, the outlook for the linebackers this season is great. The groups talent and depth is a combination that will allow the players to excel this season.
When Mack Brown returned to Carolina, he spoke extensively about building quality depth.