The North Carolina Six

            This year, the story is the same, but North Carolina's defense is one year better and has two more potential NFL Prospects. Last year defensive end Robert Quinn flew into the North Carolina spotlight recording 52 tackles, 11 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Personally, I've been hearing that he compares mightily to former North Carolina stud Julius Peppers and is probably the best prospect since. Another player who has jumped onto the big stage on the North Carolinas defense is safety Deunta Williams. Williams has become a presence in the Tar Heel secondary recording 47 tackles and 6 interceptions last year.

            Of the six players, the top prospect is by far Robert Quinn, our #1 DE and #2 Overall player. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback, acquiring 11 sacks last season. Quinn has amazing athleticism and if he were able to declare early last year he more than likely would have been a top 10 - 15 pick. This year, however, I project him to go in the first 5 picks and if he has a repeat of last season could possibly go #1, depending on who is picking.

            Next best out of the North Carolina Six is also located on the defensive line; his name is Marvin Austin. He returned to school last season in the hopes of being this year’s Ndamukong Suh. He possesses, like Quinn, amazing athleticism and has phenomenal upside/potential. Last year Marvin Austin, who had only four sacks and did not live up to expectations, was projected to go in the first - early second round, and in my opinion made the right choice in going back. Next year he has the potential to go in the top 10 if he lives up to his high expectations.

            Third on our list of top prospects out of North Carolina is Bruce Carter. Carter is an athletic outside linebacker with superb abilities and could have possibly gone in the first round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He accumulated 65 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception last season. His ability to be everywhere on the field and be a play maker really helps his stock. However, he has a lot of concerns with his frame as well as his injury history. Standing at 6'3" he has the height you look for but only weighing in at 223 lbs, Carter needs to bulk up a bit to play in the pros. This lack of bulk may have been the reason he has been injury prone in college. I personally expect him to have his best year this year showing off his athleticism and ability to make plays more often this year.

            Right next to Bruce Carter in the North Carolina linebacker corps is inside linebacker Quan Sturdivant. Sturdivant is a very versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside. In a lot of ways, Quan is around the ball more than his counterpart Bruce Carter, he has recorded 122 tackles in 2008 and 80 tackles in 2009 which is nearly 20 more Carter. Sturdivant has about the right height and weight (6'2" 235 lbs.) to be effective at the next level. I personally believe though that if put in the right situation he can become a Pro Bowl caliber player at the next level and I hope to see him play on Sundays.

            In the secondary there are two clear standout players, one being Kendric Burney. Burney is 5'9" 182 lbs. and runs a 4.45 40 time, obviously his clearest setback at the next level will be his size. However, he does have the speed, as well as fluid hips, to keep up in the pros and a knack for locating the ball in flight. In the 2009 season Burney had 52 tackles and 5 interceptions, proving he has the ability to tackle and create takeaways.

            The second standout in the Tar Heel secondary is Deunta Williams. Williams has superb size, enforcing the secondary with his 6'2" 205 lbs. frame and 4.50s speed. Of all the North Carolina prospects I believe Williams will be the most looked over. Having top tier instincts, being a consistent play-maker, and a hard worker, he will be a significant addition to any team at the next level. That being said, everyone is not without flaws.  Williams is still relatively raw to the position and has a lot to learn before becoming an impact player. His upside, however, is substantial.

          This team’s strength is also its greatest weakness; the players are all surrounded by top tier talent. This talent hides their mistakes and hides other problems as well. That does not change the fact that the North Carolina Tar Heels will be a significant force to be reckoned with next year in the ACC.