Gene Chizik, DeAndre Boykins & The Evolution of UNC's 'Star' Position

Posted Aug 17, 2022
Harkening back to his first run with the Tar Heels, Gene Chizik has reinstated the "star" position in UNC's defense. The position is an iteration of the classic nickelback that helped M.J. Stewart post career-highs in interceptions (4) and tackles (48) in 2015 and 2016. This season, sophomore DeAndre Boykins is expected to be Carolina's starting star. (Inside Carolina)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

UNC mourns 'selfless' James Spurling, who impacted Tar Heel football for decades
On Sunday afternoon, for the first time in more than half a century, Carolina Football will gather without James Spurling. A Celebration of Life will...
Fri Feb 13, 2026

TJ Yates Named Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Passing Game Coordinator
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2026 coaching staff includes multiple new additions in all three phases of the game. Notable additions to the offensive staff include...
Fri Feb 13, 2026

Marcus Allen, Thaddeus Dixon Invited To 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
UNC defensive backs Marcus Allen and Thaddeus Dixon have been invited to participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, taking place Feb. 23 - Mar...
Thu Feb 12, 2026

Drake Maye had injection for shoulder before Super Bowl
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said he received a pain-killing injection for his injured right throwing shoulder before the team's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks...
Wed Feb 11, 2026