Defensive keys to the game against Florida A&M

The UNC football program gets its 2022 season underway on Saturday as it welcomes Florida A&M into Kenan Stadium.

After a 2021 season that failed to meet expectations, 2022 rolls around with a different level of expectations.

While the offensive unit has a lot of new faces and new roles for returning players, the defensive unit returns a lot of experienced players looking to bounce back from a 2021 season un which that unit struggled.

Gene Chizik and Charlton Warren come to Chapel Hill as the new faces of the defense and both look to improve a defensive unit that did not play up to its potential last season.

UNC dropped from 68th to 99th overall in defensive efficiency in the last three years under former coordinator Jay Bateman, so formulating a defensive unit that can be effective and live up to its potential will be key.

So, here are the keys on the defensive end for UNC’s game against Florida A&M.

Secondary to play up to its potential

Nov 6, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Cam’Ron Kelly (9) celebrates with defensive back Tony Grimes (20) and linebacker Power Echols (23) after intercepting the ball in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The UNC secondary is one of the most experienced across the ACC and has the talent to be one of the best units in the entire country.

Last season the Tar Heels’ defense was 84th in passing yards allowed per game and gave up 13.2 yards per completion — both extremely inefficient numbers.

Tony Grimes and Storm Duck are one of the highest-potential duos in the secondary and both have been starters for multiple years — now it’s about staying healthy for Duck. But, UNC also has formidable depth with guys like Cam’Ron Kelly, who was tied for first in the ACC with four interceptions last year, and Ja’Qurious Conley who have started in the careers as well.

There have always been…