North Carolina’s depth and talent on the defensive side of the ball, especially along the line, has taken a hit ahead of the start of summer camp.
A UNC spokesperson confirmed to the Raleigh News & Observer that three players -- defensive tackles Shawn Underwood and Greg Webb as well as linebacker Clint Heaven -- are no longer on the UNC football team. The two defensive linemen left for personal reasons, while the latter has already transferred to Northern Iowa.
By the far the biggest loss is that of Underwood.
Underwood played in 20 games the past two seasons, starting five of those contests. He would’ve entered summer camp as a favorite to land a starting job.
Webb, a touted four-star member of UNC’s 2013 recruiting class, took a redshirt as a true freshman last season, while Heaven played in five games as a redshirt freshman in 2013.
In addition to that trio, the status of offensive lineman J.J. Patterson is up in the air. Patterson played defensive tackle as a redshirt freshman in 2013 before moving to guard this past spring.
(Photo credit: North Carolina athletics)