UNC Defensive Back named to PFF's Team of the Week
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UNC Defensive Back named to PFF's Team of the Week
Aidan Jensen, Tar Heels Wire·Tar Heels Wire
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2 min read
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For the first time in two seasons, your North CarolinaTar Heelsareplaying a winning brand of football, thanks to a mix of experienced returners, portal additions, class of 2026 recruits and breakout stars.
One of UNC's most impactful players this fall is redshirt sophomore defensive backGreg Smith, who's emerging as a leader in the secondary. With 39 tackles (23 solo), a team-high three interceptions and pass breakups apiece, one forced fumble, recovery and TFL each, Smith makes his presence known all over the field.
Smith was a tackling machine in Durham, totaling 10 (five solo) and deflecting a game-high two passes. Along withPeyton Seelmann, who earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors, Smith held the Blue Devils' (4-2, 1-2 ACC) second-half offense in check during its potential, game-winning fourth quarter drive.
Smith played in all 12 games during his redshirt freshman, 2025 campaign in Chapel Hill, quickly proving his future stardom potential with a 3-yard interception in the win at Charlotte. With offseason secondary departures, the Tar Heels (4-2, 2-1 ACC) called upon Smith to deliver this fall and, through six games, he's thoroughly exceeding expectations.
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UNC returns home this weekend to host Syracuse, with Smith primed for a big game against the ACC's last-place team. Orange (2-4, 0-2 ACC) quarterbacks combined to throw nine interceptions, which Smith has a third of, through their first six games.
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarter back Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) runs the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils saftey Patrick Smith-Young (2) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarter back Billy Edwards Jr. (9) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) celebrates against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Shamar Easter (84) runs the ball during the third quarter against he Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Shamar Easter (84) runs the ball during the third quarter against Duke Blue Devils linebacker Bradley Gompers (24) and Duke Blue Devils saftey Patrick Smith-Young (2) at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the fourth quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) scores a touchdown against Duke Blue Devils saftey Che Ojarikre (9) during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; A North Carolina Tar Heels helmet at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
UNC football vs. Syracuse: Game preview, info, prediction, more
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarter back Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
UNC football vs. Syracuse: Game preview, info, prediction, more
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarter back Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/11
Photos from UNC football's win over Duke on Saturday
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) runs the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/11
Photos from UNC football's win over Duke on Saturday
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/11
UNC jumps into Top 40 of USA TODAY Sports' Week 7 CFB re-rank
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils saftey Patrick Smith-Young (2) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/11
Photos from UNC football's win over Duke on Saturday
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarter back Billy Edwards Jr. (9) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/11
UNC slated to face Big 10 teams in ESPN's latest bowl projections
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) celebrates against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/11
UNC to host top-ranked team in primetime football matchup
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Shamar Easter (84) runs the ball during the third quarter against he Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/11
Photos from UNC football's win over Duke on Saturday
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Shamar Easter (84) runs the ball during the third quarter against Duke Blue Devils linebacker Bradley Gompers (24) and Duke Blue Devils saftey Patrick Smith-Young (2) at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/11
Photos from UNC football's win over Duke on Saturday
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the fourth quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/11
What channel is UNC's October 24 football matchup vs. Syracuse on?
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) scores a touchdown against Duke Blue Devils saftey Che Ojarikre (9) during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/11
UNC earns votes in latest 2026-27 US LBM Coaches Poll after Week 7
Oct 17, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; A North Carolina Tar Heels helmet at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
(Zachary Taft, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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