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A new defensive juggernaut has surfaced for the UNC Tar Heels after an offseason in which Power Echols and Kaimon Rucker were the standouts on defense.

Outland Trophy National Player of the Week Jahvaree Ritzie of the North Carolina Tar Heels made a national splash in his collegiate debut against the Minnesota Gophers.

The North Carolina native and senior had a career-high six stops, including three sacks and three tackles for loss. In addition to leading the ACC in sacks, Ritzie was given the week’s defensive lineman of honor by the conference.

With his three sacks against the Miami Hurricanes on September 7, 2019, Tomon Fox became the first Tar Heel football player since Ritzie to achieve that feat in a single game. Not only that, but he follows in the footsteps of fellow defensive lineman Kaimon Rucker, who received the award in September 2023, making him the first North Carolina defensive lineman to do so.

After North Carolina’s 19-17 win over the Gophers, Ritzie spoke about his stellar play and maintaining his team’s winning streak in his postgame interview.

I’m just looking forward to taking charge this year since it’s my senior year. I want to give my all in all aspect of my life, from training in the gym to my personal life outside of sports, and I intend to keep improving.
Ritzie has surpassed his sack total from his first three seasons at Chapel Hill (2.5) in just one game this season with three. In Saturday’s home opener against Charlotte, Ritzie and the rest of the North Carolina defense will try to maintain their momentum from last week’s game.