[Tuck4Bama]

BY J.P. GIGLIO - Staff Writer

CHAPEL HILL -- With nine starters back, there isn't much room for new blood on North Carolina's defense.

Junior Da'Norris Searcy will step into departed senior Trimane Goddard's strong safety spot on Saturday in the football season-opener against The Citadel, and sophomore Zach Brown will fill the other opening at weakside linebacker, according to the depth chart released Monday by UNC.

Brown will share reps with freshman Kevin Reddick, Tar Heels coach Butch Davis said.

"The competition is so close to call, we may give them equal opportunities," Davis said.

There are more new starters on offense (five), with the big question at the receiver spots, where the 21st-ranked Heels lost Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Tate and Brooks Foster to the NFL. Junior Greg Little and sophomore Dwight Jones are listed as the starters, but Davis said he might use as many as five receivers.

"We're going to try and find out who really, truly deserves to be the starter," Davis said.

Junior Johnny White, who began his career at running back and led the team in rushing in 2007, is listed as Little's backup. Freshman Joshua Adams will back up Jones. Davis also mentioned freshman Erik Highsmith, freshman Jheranie Boyd and redshirt freshman Todd Harrelson as options for quarterback T.J. Yates.

UNC sets depth chart - Sports - News & Observer