Melkart Abou Jaoude’s ‘chip on his shoulder’ mindset propels him from a walk-on to defensive leader

Posted Aug 28, 2026
Mornings after Friday night football, current UNC defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude could be found working in a Newton, N.J. bagel shop called The Bagel Bistro. One day, customer and former University of Delaware wide receiver G.J. Crescione walked in. The shop owner Kristian Vozza pulled him aside and told him he needed to talk to Abou Jaoude. (Daily Tar Heel)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Video: The Game Plan Podcast - UNC vs. TCU Dublin Preview and Predictions
Greg Barnes, Jason Staples, and Tommy Ashley at Inside Carolina preview and predict UNC Football's season opener against TCU on Saturday and break down the...
Fri Aug 28, 2026

UNC punter Adam McCann-Gibbs’ homecoming comes as he still learns the sport
Plenty of new experiences are kicking in for most UNC Football players visiting Ireland, but it’s familiar territory for a freshman punter. Adam McCann-Gibbs is...
Fri Aug 28, 2026

UNC RB Demon June primed for breakout year after first-season success
Demon June was the Tar Heel offense’s north star last season. Amidst a disappointing 4-8 season, the running back racked up an impressive 464 rushing...
Thu Aug 27, 2026

Bill Belichick 'wisdom' guiding UNC on Dublin trip
While Adam McCann-Gibbs feels his journey from Gaelic footballer to college athlete has been like something from a film, the County Down teenager still acknowledges...
Thu Aug 27, 2026