Jonathan Smith Assumes UNC's Starting Middle Linebacker Role

Posted Sep 22, 2017
Jonathan Smith will suit up as the starting middle linebacker for the Tar Heels on Saturday against the program he spurned two years ago. The 6-1, 230-pound true sophomore is expected to get his second career start at middle linebacker after Andre Smith went down against Louisville in week two was officially ruled out for the season by UNC on Thursday. (Inside Carolina)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Bill Belichick's quarterback shakeup at UNC: FCS record breaker joins Tar Heels
In an effort to revamp UNC's offense, Bill Belichick has landed his third offseason quarterback transfer in Western Carolina's Taron Dickens. An FCS record-breaker for...
Mon Feb 16, 2026

THT Newsletter: Caleb Wilson Injured, Baseball Sweeps, Malloy Smith Offered, Dylan Mingo To Commit
It was quite the eventful week in UNC Athletics. Caleb Wilson suffered a broken hand, the Diamond Heels swept their season opener, Kenny Smith’s son...
Mon Feb 16, 2026

Carolina Insider Podcast: Remembering James Spurling, UNC vs. NC State Basketball Preview
A different show as our main focus is remembering our friend James Spurling by re-running his interview from 2019 (11:53). James' Celebration of Life was...
Mon Feb 16, 2026

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