Tar Heels' Depth a Big Part Of Its Defensive Improvement Posted Oct 14, 2023 North Carolina’s dramatic shift defensively from matador to stalwart is the result of several key factors. Among them is the Tar Heels’ depth. Not only are they getting players healthy, but some more younger players are getting spot snaps here and there. The result is a fresher defense that has played its best football in the second halves this season. (Tar Heel Illustrated)