After playing in a rotation last year, Jahvaree Ritzie is taking full advantage of his starting opportunity for the UNC football program so far in 2024.
Ritzie’s defensive prowess has North Carolina at 2-0 already, with a close Week 1 win at Minnesota and a more comfortable victory against Charlotte last weekend.
Ritzie has a Tar Heels-best five sacks and tackles for loss through two games, as he is one of many beneficiaries from new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins’ pressure-heavy scheme. UNC is still giving up big plays in the secondary, but the defensive line is doing its job.
On a line where Kaimon Rucker is supposed to be the unit’s most productive star, it’s Ritzie shining the most through two games.
Ritzie’s five sacks, which not only lead his teammates, are best in the ACC and second in the nation – only to New Mexico’s Christian Ellis.
Ritzie nabbed his first three sacks in the season-opener at Minnesota, then tacked on two more against Charlotte. His 2024 figures already passed his previous career totals, which included just 2.5 sacks combined from 2021-2023.
It’s tough for anyone to keep up Ritzie’s level of production, but it’s also a level of play I see Ritzie continuing through much of the season. With North Carolina facing NC Central this coming Saturday, I see Ritzie continuing his breakout season and adding to his sack total.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.