CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina has experience at quarterback and on defense heading into the upcoming season. That could set up the Tar Heels for a big year under third-year coach Butch Davis.
The Tar Heels went 8-5 last year, including a 4-4 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They lost to West Virginia at the Meineke Bowl in Charlotte.
The defense returns nine starters from a unit that ranked among the nation's best at picking off passes last year. That group includes defensive tackle Marvin Austin, linebackers Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter, and cornerback Kendric Burney.
On offense, the Tar Heels have returning starter T.J. Yates at quarterback and Shaun Draughn at running back. They just have to replace three receivers who were all NFL draft picks.
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