Batten: Talent in the Trenches
Posted Oct 6, 2011
Since the late 1980s, the Tar Heels have been able to attract a steady stream of defensive linemen to Chapel Hill. A total of 25 defensive ends or tackles who played for UNC since 1988 have been selected in the NFL draft, including seven over the past five years. Many in that group, like Greg Ellis, Vonnie Holliday, Ryan Sims, Russell Davis and, of course, Julius Peppers, have gone on to lengthy, successful professional careers.
(Tar Heel Illustrated)
Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL
Bill Belichick to join ACC Network’s on-site coverage of CFP National Championship as guest analystACC Network will deliver extensive on-site studio programming surrounding the Miami Hurricanes as they compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami, Fla.,...
Fri Jan 16, 2026A Massachusetts brewery struck gold with a Drake Maye-themed beer that’s selling like crazy
If you stop by Stellwagen Beer Company’s taproom, you won’t be able to find its most popular beer. It sold out in under three days...
Fri Jan 16, 2026
Defensive Back Greg Smith Reversing Course, Now Expected to Remain at UNC
One day after announcing his intention to enter the Transfer Portal, UNC defensive back Greg Smith is now expected to stay at Carolina for the...
Thu Jan 15, 2026
UNC DB Greg Smith To Enter Transfer Portal
North Carolina redshirt freshman defensive back Greg Smith plans to transfer, meaning UNC will be without another of its main contributors in the secondary. North...
Wed Jan 14, 2026