Darius Lipford settles in at ‘Mike' Posted Mar 27, 2014 Heading into his senior season, Darius Lipford is again adjusting to a new position. Initially a 'Sam' (strong-side) linebacker in UNC's 4-3 defense under former head coaches Butch Davis and Everett Withers, Lipford saw action in 24 games and made five starts in 2010 and 2011 before tearing the ACL in his left knee in UNC's loss to Missouri in the 2011 Independence Bowl. (Tar Heel Illustrated)