UNC depth chart breakdown - secondary: Old man Myles Wolfolk guides the flock
North Carolina’s co-defensive coordinator Jay Bateman likes to joke that safety Myles Wolfolk is like a 32-year-old in the final year of his NFL contract and vying to play one more year. Of course, Wolfolk hasn’t been around that long. It just feels like it, especially since he’ll play this season as a graduate student.
He played 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2017. He’s only played a combined nine game since then. But his return from an injury-riddled 2019 season is a welcomed sight for the Heels’ secondary.
“We’re a better secondary when Myles Wolfolk is in there, because he’s older and experienced,” head coach Mack Brown told reporters on a Zoom call. “He is one of the real leaders on this team and he can tell everybody where to go and what to do.”
Wolfolk isn’t just out there bossing players around. He takes the blame for the team, occasionally when he’s not necessarily the one at fault. That’s leadership.
“I can yell at Wolf instead of yelling at the entire group,” Bateman told reporters on a Zoom call. “He appreciates that role. He’s kind of the unquestioned veteran leader, he brings everything to that group.”
Wolfolk is well-respected by his peers for his toughness in battling back from injuries every year. He started the first four games last season before having his season end against Virginia. Despite that, he still led the Tar Heels with three interceptions.
Bateman said he’s being cautious with how much they ask of Wolfolk considering his history of injuries. But the Heels fully expect he’ll be ready to play in the opener on Sept. 12 against Syracuse.
“He understands that it’s going to be the same way in a game,” Bateman said. “Miles (Dorn) played 800 snaps last year, I don’t think anyone’s going to be in that role — I hope not.”
Who is expected to start?
The three cornerbacks who have been talked about the most are Clemson transfer Kyler McMichael, sophomore Storm Duck and senior Patrice Rene, who is working his way back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Duck has continually drawn high praise in August including Bateman declaring, “I think he’s going to be an NFL football player.”
Along with Wolfolk at safety, Don Chapman is the leading contender to start against the Orange. The sophomore appeared in all 13 games last season, starting four thanks to the plethora of injuries the team had.
Who are the key reserves?
DeAndre Hollins is the fourth corner with experience that Brown said he’d feel comfortable playing. Freshmen Tony Grimes, who skipped his senior year of high school to enroll early, and Ja’Qurious Conley present intriguing options. Their talent screams for playing time now, even in a deep secondary. Conley may see more time at safety along with Cam’Ron Kelly and Giovanni Biggers.
Who might surprise us?
Sophomore Trey Morrison is like the glue guy of the secondary and epitomizes the “cross-training” Brown has harped on this season. If a starter at any position in the secondary is questionable to play, Morrison is likely the guy who will replace him in the lineup. “My goal is to have a series where he plays nickel safety and corner,” Bateman said. “That’s my goal. He’s the kid, I think, we’ve been impressed with the most.”
What are the group’s strengths?
Even with D.J. Ford, Virginia Tech transfer Bryce Watts and Javon Terry opting out of the season, Carolina’s depth in the secondary might be the best on the team. Bateman doesn’t just have the numbers after an injury-plagued season last year, they’ve got the talent to match. The Heels have upgraded the overall speed of the unit and Bateman will have a “good problem” of trying to find snaps for promising freshmen like Grimes and Conley. “Our most improved position is definitely the secondary,” Brown said. “It’s deeper and faster than this time last year.”
What are the group’s weaknesses?
At this point, it may just be nitpicking to find a true weakness. The Heels have players in the secondary who are tough against run. They’ve got cover corners who can elevate to lock down status. They’re got speed, they’ve got depth. Maybe the main thing they’ll look to improve upon from last season is simply finding a way to keep players healthy.