Myles Murphy addresses how depth will keep defenders fresh, last season's snap

Myles Murphy is ready to ball-out for North Carolina, and he believes the depth the Tar Heels defensive line possesses will help keep defenders fresh.

While Murphy believes it’s a positive, he added during a press conference that last season’s high snap count taught him how to condition his body better.

“Nah, it really didn’t. I just, as the season went on I had to condition my body to like, take advantage of those snaps, so I can be in the best shape I can,” explained Murphy.

Of course, the Tar Heels lineman believes in his ability, and wants to be on the field for every snap. Still, he has confident in his teammates when he needs a breather.

“It really don’t matter to me. I want to be in as long as I can. But I want my teammates to be in there too, with me. So, it’s going to be real good,” added Murphy.

North Carolina has big goals for 2022, and Murphy will play a huge role. At the moment, he’s getting his body right, to prepare for the rigors the ACC will present next season.

“During summer, you really have to prepare your body for this,” Murphy stated, speaking about the physical toll. “I’ve been doing that since like my freshman year. After my freshman year, I really learned that I have to prepare my body for this.”

Myles Murphy is one of the leaders for North Carolina, and the defense will look to him for some inspiration from time to time. Evidently, the lineman is built for it — both physically and mentally.

Myles Murphy sees difference in how Gene Chizik utilizes defensive lineman

Moreover, North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Myles Murphy is excited about the possibilities of his team’s defense for the upcoming season.

This offseason, head coach Mack Brown brought in his former defensive coordinator from the University of Texas and national championship-winning head coach at Auburn Gene Chizik to take over the reins on defense, and Murphy can already see a difference in how Chizik utilizes defensive.

“I feel like Chizik is real smart with it,” said Murphy. “He knows how to get my opportunities to come and go.

“He knows how to get past rushers set to go for us to take off. It’s really going to be amazing to watch this season, for real.”

Chizik led the Tigers to a national championship victory in 2010 with an over-powered offense and a defense capable of making a stand when needed. Auburn had a few games in which they allowed more than 30 points. However, in their biggest games of the season, Auburn allowed just over 21 points per game, including limiting South Carolina to 17 points in the SEC championship game and the Oregon Ducks to 19 points in the national championship game.

If Chizik can find some of the magic from 2010 then, the difference Murphy sees could result in an ACC championship. Or even better, a College Football Playoff championship, come 2023.

On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this article.