UNC football bolsters staff, roster ahead of 2023 season

After a standout season that saw the UNC football team win nine games and an ACC Coastal Division title, expectations are high heading into the upcoming 2023 football season. Here’s a look at a few notable new coaches and players as the season quickly approaches. 

Chip Lindsey 

Following the departure of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Phil Longo, head coach Mack Brown hired Chip Lindsey to take on the same roles. Last season, Lindsey was the offensive coordinator at UCF and led a Knights offense that ranked 11th in total offense, averaging just over 480 yards per game. UCF also had the eighth best rushing offense in the country, which averaged 236.1 yards per game.

The emphasis on the run game is something that Brown is hoping will translate to the field next season, and expects to happen.

“We will have a more aggressive and better running game, and that’s what I wanted,” Brown said.

Jason Jones

After a rocky year at the cornerback position, the Tar Heels decided to make a coaching change. Former UNC star cornerback Dre Bly and UNC parted ways, and Jason Jones was hired as the new cornerbacks coach.

Jones' resume includes 20 years of coaching experience. Jones was the safeties coach at Indiana for the past three years, and also has experience as a defensive coordinator, serving as Ole Miss’ co-defensive coordinator for six years. 

Heading into the fall, Jones will look to revitalize the UNC defense that ranked 116th in the country and gave up an average of just over 436 yards per game, with just nine interceptions on the year.

Antavious ‘Stick’ Lane

A graduate transfer from Georgia State, safety Antavious ‘Stick’ Lane will look to help Jones mend the issue in the secondary.

Lane was a standout safety for the Panthers, being named to the All-Sun Belt team three times in his career. During his time in Atlanta, Lane appeared in 37 games, starting 30 of those. Lane recorded 226 tackles, 11 interceptions, forced four fumbles and added 13 pass breakups.

Last year — his junior year at Georgia State — he was named third-team all-conference and was a key piece in the Panthers defense.

“He’s (Lane) been working out with the older guys, and he looks really good,” Brown said.

Devontez Walker

Another addition via the portal is wide receiver Devontez Walker, who transferred to the Tar Heels from Kent State. 

The junior joined the team in the spring, and made waves during spring practices. With redshirt sophomore quarterback Drake Maye losing his top two targets in Josh Downs and Antoine Green to the NFL, Walker could quickly emerge as Maye’s WR1 this fall. 

Tad Hudson

First-year quarterback Tad Hudson joined the Tar Heels in the spring and like Walker, featured in the Spring Game. The four-star quarterback out of Hough High School was ranked as the 27th best quarterback in the class of 2023, and the 15th best player in North Carolina, per the 247Sports Composite.

While Hudson will probably see limited — if any — playing time this season, he is one to keep an eye on for the near future with Maye expected to enter the 2024 NFL Draft following this season. Expect Hudson to be competing with Conner Harrell for the starting quarterback role in the 2024-2025 season.  

Chris Culliver

North Carolina’s highest ranked incoming first-year is wide receiver Chris Culliver. In his senior season at Maiden High School, Culliver racked up 80 catches for 1,809 yards with 26 touchdowns.

Despite depth at the wide receiver position, Culliver provides another threat that could be utilized in Lindsey’s offense.

@mdmaynard74

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