Gene Chizik proud of what he's seen from UNC's new-look secondary

North Carolina defensive coordinator Gene Chizik has plenty of new faces in the secondary for 2023. After the Tar Heels ranked last in the ACC in passing defense (271.3 air yards allowed per game) this past season, that’s probably a good thing.

UNC added four transfer defensive backs this offseason and also brings back two starters in DeAndre Boykins and Giovanni Biggers. With spring practice getting ready to wrap up in less than two weeks, Chizik likes what he’s seen from both the new and returning players.

“I think we’re making progress,” he said. “Every day I think we’re getting better. I think we’re learning a lot. We have a lot of new players back there. So there’s a learning curve. But what I really like is they’re putting themsleves in proximity to make plays. We’re not right now making all the ones that we should, but I’m really, really happy with the growth.”

Former East Tennessee State cornerback Alijah Huzzie is the highest rated of the transfers in the secondary according to On3’s Transfer Player Rankings, coming in at No. 98 overall. He was named an FCS All-American in 2022 after leading the FCS in passes defended (22) and ranking second in interceptions (six). He is just one of a few new players with a chance to earn a starting role.

North Carolina also added a pair of players from within the ACC in former Virginia Tech cornerback Armani Chatman and Georgia Tech safety Derrik Allen. Both players have just one season of eligibility remaining and bring starting experience. Finally, safety Antavious Lane joins the fold after four seasons Georgia State, which he leaves as the program’s all-time leader in interceptions (11).

Gene Chizik will hope those additions gel with Boykins and Biggers to help a North Carolina defense take a step forward. Boykins and Biggers combined for 136 tackles, one interception, and nine passes defended last season.

In spite of ranking last in the ACC in both scoring and total defense last year, the Tar Heels still won the Coastal division thanks to an offense that was top three in the conference. If their defense can make the necessary improvements, it could be a special year in Chapel Hill.

“I see a lot of growth back there,” Chizik said. “A lot of learning. I think we’re ahead of where we were last year simply because there’s some carryover with some guys that have been here. It’s a work in progress every day, but I’m proud of them right now.”