UNC defense prepared to take on leading role

Posted Sep 2, 2009
Between the records and SportsCenter highlights, receiver Hakeem Nicks was the face of UNC football by the end of the 2008 season. With Nicks now in the NFL, the Tar Heels need a new identity, and it's probably going to be on the other side of the football. The defense returns nine starters, including four NFL prospects, and it will likely take center stage for the 21st-ranked Heels this season, starting with Saturday's opener against The Citadel. (Raleigh News & Observer)

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