UNC depth chart breakdown - linebackers: Is Eugene Asante the next Chazz Surratt?

If North Carolina sophomore linebacker Eugene Asante ends up playing like Chazz Surratt did last season, it won’t be a coincidence. Asante said as soon as the team got its new software for viewing game clips, he studied every single play from Surratt’s performances against Georgia Tech, Duke and Temple.

“I watched everything he was doing, his movements, the way he takes on blockers, the way he sheds blockers, the way he blitzes and covers,” Asante said during a Zoom call with reporters. “I analyzed it and I took little notes.”

Asante primarily appeared on special teams last season. He’ll likely see a lot of snaps this season, albeit in a backup role to Surratt, and he feels much better prepared to take on a larger role. He felt it was imperative he get mental reps in before the team began practicing again in the summer. Asante said he spent a lot time studying the game, often quizzing coaches and also his teammates.

“That was one thing I struggled with the cerebral part of football,” Asante said. “I felt like I had the athletic ability but the cerebral part wasn’t always there. The speed of the game changed.”

He feels very much up to speed now. The confidence the coaches have in playing him could allow a new wrinkle for Surratt. UNC coach Mack Brown mentioned the way Asante has looked in practice, Surratt could move to the outside when needed in specific situations to help conjure up a better pass rush.

“Eugene had a big scrimmage this last one,” junior Tomon Fox said on the call. “He made every play that came to him — even plays that were away from him.”

Here’s a breakdown of UNC’s linebacker position:

Who is expected to start?

Inside linebackers Surratt and Jeremiah Gemmel finished 1-2 on the team in tackles last season. They’ll again be looked at as the anchors of the defense. Fox, who tied with Surratt for the team lead with five sacks last season, will be at one outside linebacker post. Brown will likely go with experience on the other side with fifth-year senior Tyrone Hopper. But don’t be surprised to see freshmen Kaimon Rucker and Desmond Evans get plenty of opportunities to play in the Tar Heels’ season-opener on Sept. 12 at home against Syracuse.

Who are the key reserves?

Brown said he feels good about his linebackers as a group and having Asante and sophomore Khadry Jackson adding depth is partly why. Fox described the pair as, “old school see ball, get ball.”

“No matter where we’re at, if you’re watching the film, they’re always going to end up in the camera at the end of the play,” Fox said.

Who might surprise us?

Chris Collins played a bit role as a freshman and appeared in just four games on the defensive line last season before taking a redshirt. He could be ready for a breakout season. At 6-4, 240 pounds, he’s a hybrid linebacker who can line up and rush the passer in a season where Brown has been harping on needing players with versatility.

What are the strengths of the group as a whole?

Brown started a group lacking in experience last season as neither Surratt nor Gemmel had ever started a game at linebacker. With the year they had, the inside pair are a reason why the entire defense is playing better. They know what to expect. Brown said they have a better understanding of the terminology of the defense and can make adjustments faster. He added that Gemmel was, “playing better right now in practice than at any time he played last year.”

What are the weaknesses of the group as a whole?

Simply adding depth to the rotation will be a factor, especially as injuries and potentially the coronavirus could play a role in changing who is available to play. “We got a lot of experience with the first group that’s going in, also we have some of the young guys stepping up this year,” Fox said. “We still need to work on that part — make sure they get caught up, so when they step on the field, there’s no difference. That’s the biggest thing as of right now.

Syracuse at UNC

When: Sept. 12, noon

Where: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill

Watch: ACC Network

This story was originally published September 1, 2020 at 2:25 PM.