Kaimon Rucker among top returning edge rushers per PFF

UNC football edge rusher Kaimon Rucker is among the top returners at his position in college football by Pro Football Focus.

North Carolina’s defense is hoping to take the next step under coordinator Gene Chizik in 2023. And it will do so with a bit of a new look.

After a shaky start to the 2022 campaign, the Tar Heels started to figure things out towards the end of the season. But some familiar names are gone and now Chizik will have the task of getting this unit to play well and not spoil another season from Drake Maye and the offense.

Among the returners for the Tar Heels is edge rusher Kaimon Rucker, a player that has developed into one of UNC’s best pass rushers. And now he’s being listed as one of the best-returning edge rushers in the country.

Pro Football Focus released its highest-graded edge rushers returning in 2023 and Rucker was No. 9 with a 84.1 grade:

Rucker is the second-highest graded edge rusher returning in the ACC behind only Miami’s Akheem Mesidor at No. 5 with an 87.1 grade.

If Rucker can get even better in 2023, the Tar Heels defense should be able to take that next step.

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