news-record.com

CHAPEL HILL -- The return of a veteran running back will provide help to North Carolina's inexperienced quarterback. The defense could have an even bigger say in making things easier on Bryn Renner.

With NFL prospects on the line and experienced linebackers returning, the Tar Heels' front seven could take a leading role in Saturday's opener against James Madison while Renner figures things out at the helm of the UNC attack.

If the sophomore passer is slow to develop, the defense will have to frustrate opponents enough to keep the Tar Heels close. If he picks things up quickly, that unit could get plenty of chances to make plays.

Interim coach Everett Withers, the Tar Heels' defensive coordinator the past three seasons, said this year's unit has the potential to be as good as past defenses that were stocked with NFL talent.

"Up front we have a chance to be," Withers said Monday. "With two or three linebackers having experience, we have a chance to be as good there. On the back end, it'll be a matter of experience more than anything."

Renner, who has thrown two career passes, will have help in the backfield with the return of fifth-year player Ryan Houston. The tailback fractured his shoulder blade in the spring game and had yet to practice with contact in the preseason, but Withers said Houston should be ready to start against the Dukes. Houston missed last year amid the NCAA investigation into improper benefits and academic misconduct but was cleared to return at midseason and opted to redshirt.

The Tar Heels have NFL prospects to lead the defense in ends Quinton Coples (10 sacks) and Donte Paige-Moss (seven sacks), though Withers said sophomore Kareem Martin -- pressed into duty for 11 games last year amid the NCAA suspensions -- has been the most consistent at the position through training camp.

"Whether it's Miami or Virginia or Virginia Tech, people really struggle to block them because they're so big and they're so athletic," James Madison coach Mickey Matthews said. "That's probably the No. 1 thing."

At linebacker, leading tackler Kevin Reddick (74 stops) returns as the defensive team captain. He's joined by senior Zach Brown (72 tackles) and Ebele Okakpu. The secondary is the question mark with sophomore Tre Boston, and freshmen Alex Dixon and Tim Scott on the two-deep depth chart at cornerback. Senior Charles Brown, who missed all of last year amid the NCAA probe, must sit the opener for accepting $86.94 of improper benefits from someone regarded as a prospective agent.

"Our coaches have done a great job of bringing the young guys along," senior safety Matt Merletti said. "That's helped us get some depth on defense and we fully expect to lead the team."

NOTING THE TAR HEELS: Withers has named senior center Cam Holland(offense), junior linebacker Kevin Reddick (defense) and senior place-kicker(Casey Barth) captains for the 2011 season. A fourth game captain will be selected each week during the year.