North Carolina defensive tackle Naz Jones and his chain have been inseparable this football season. In just about every post-game picture of Jones snapped in 2016, you can see his chain in the frame, casually draped around his neck like a pet snake.
Defensive line coach Tray Scott introduced the chain, and the symbolism behind it, to his unit when he came to UNC in 2015. It looks small around Jones' neck, but it's actually pretty massive — and it's not just for show. All the linemen know what it stands for and why it’s important.
“The chain represents not being a weak link for your brothers,” defensive tackle Jeremiah Clarke said. “Each link in the chain makes the chain stronger, and you are only as strong as the weakest link.”
Jones was anointed as somewhat of a guardian of the chain and has kept it in his locker throughout the season. However, after UNC fell to N.C. State on Nov. 25, Jones passed down the chain to Clarke — knowing that his time in Chapel Hill could be up soon.
It was a passing-of-a-torch scenario, but defensive-line style. There weren’t any balloons or songs sung.
“I don’t know if it was ceremonial,” Clarke said. “It was kind of a, ‘Here, take this chain out of my locker,’ kind of thing.”
Ceremony or not, the passing of the chain from Jones to Clarke means something. Jones has declared for the NFL Draft and will forgo his final year of eligibility at North Carolina. It’s Clarke’s job to take over and lead the defensive line — something the entire defense understands.
“I think Jeremiah rightly has the right of (the chain) being passed down to him,” linebacker Andre Smith said. “He’ll definitely take over the D-line next year.”
Clarke has shown flashes of being a great defensive lineman. He finished the regular season with 41 tackles and two sacks. But he has a knack for making big plays — his fumble recovery sealed the win over Miami, and his blocked field goal against Florida State helped set up Nick Weiler's heroics in that 37-35 win. With Jones gone next year, the defense will be counting on Clarke for even more of those big plays and more consistent play as a run-stuffing, pass-rushing defensive tackle.
