Auburn football: UNC QB Sam Howell could present problem for Tigers

Despite the fact that UNC has lost one of its best linebackers from last season in Dominique Ross, the Tarheels’ core of linebackers is likely the strength of the defense.

Arguably UNC’s best player not named Sam Howell, rising senior Chazz Surratt has a chance to be one of the nation’s top LBs in 2020. The first-team All-ACC selection dominated last season with 115 tackles (second in the ACC), 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and one interception.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker is the leader of the defense. A former quarterback for the Tarheels, Surratt using his football IQ and athleticism to make the right play more times than not.

Additionally, pass-rush specialist Tomon Fox will man the outside linebacker position with a combination of explosive athleticism and power. Fox recorded a team-high seven sacks last season to go along with 15 TFLs.

Finally, RS junior Jeremiah Gemmell, who was second on the team last year with 84 total tackles, will be back to play alongside Surratt and Fox.

For an Auburn team that has to replace all five of its offensive line starters from last season, this is the position group to worry about. They are one of the most talented LB groups in the ACC and have a bonafide star in the middle as well as a lot more experience than whoever the Tigers trot out on the O-line.