UNC Football Will Be Mixture of Veterans and Youth

• "There are tremendous leaders in this program," Kelly said. "Guys like Jordan Shipp, you look at guys like Leroy [Jackson], Melkart [Abou-Jaoude], Ben Hall. Everyone in every single position group, you've got leaders. And when your leaders are the hardest workers, guys look to them to see like, 'how do I operate?' And a lot of it's been lead by example."

• "What we do is a grind, there's no question guys, there's no team that works harder than we do from the strength and conditioning standpoint, from the practice standpoint, from the preparation standpoint," Kelly continued. "And when your leaders are the ones that are doing whatever it takes to be successful, truly putting the team ahead of our self-interest… people buy into that. That's ultimately what's going to lead to success."

• "The communication has been a lot better," Kelly elaborated. "The linebackers from the secondary, just making sure everybody's where they need to be and what their responsibility is for that play. So, obviously, everything starts with communication, so if that gets better, we can play faster and be more aggressive."

Abou-Jaoude's Thoughts

While speaking with the media, the veteran pass rusher discussed which young player is showing out at practice and is a candidate to break out early.

• "David Jackson on the [defensive line], I like him," Abou-Jaoude said. "He's a very violent player, high motor. That's the one that's stood out to me the most."

Patterson's Thoughts

The veteran defensive back was also asked about his thoughts on true freshmen entering the program this offseason. Patterson shared which players are catching his eye.

• "A lot of the mid-years have bought into the program, and I'm loving it," Patterson said. "A couple of guys like Jakob Weatherspoon and Jaziel Hart, they've been working, conditioning."

• "Like, all those guys are just competing," Patterson continued. "Everybody is buying into the program. They don't think anything needs to be given to them. They realize everything has to be earned in this program."

Overall Thoughts

Last season, the Tar Heels were a jumbled compilation of players, as Belichick entered the equation after the recruitment and transfer portal windows closed. This time around, the 73-year-old head coach has been able to build a culture, and it is showing in the spring practices.