What UNC DL Raymond Vohasek said before Week 0
The UNC football program is set to open up their season this Saturday against Florida A&M in hopes for an overall better year than prior. After some unique changes to the overall scheme, the biggest question is how will the defense look under Gene Chizik.
One player who could be in for a big year under Chizik’s guidance is defensive lineman Raymond Vohasek.
Vohasek nearly entered the NFL draft, but instead returned for one more season in Carolina after talks with Mack Brown and staff. Vohasek, now the center of UNC’s deepest position on the team, turns to last season’s horrific 6-7 record as a motivating factor to dominate all aspects of the game this season.
As of Week 0, Vohasek met the UNC media, including Tar Heels Wire, to talk about his return, how he’s feeling, and the competition on the defensive line.
Here is some of what he said to the media in Thursday’s presser.
Vohasek on how deep his position is and if it means less playing time
“I think when you talk about in terms of depth. I think we could go three to four deep this season, especially with the different packages in terms of like nickel dime and things like that. There’s a lot of rotation, different packages. So guys are really being able to capitalize on their skill sets and what they bring.”
On one guy that has jumped out to really impress him
“I think all the guys are coming along great. You know, a guy in my spot, Travis at that nose spot, I think he had a great spring, especially for coming right outta high school. And right when we started camp, he picked up right where he left off and he’s been improving day by day. I’ve been trying to help him out as much as I can. I think he could really help us this year, especially what he brings to the table with his size and athleticism.”
On if he's been able to add onto his game for next level
“I’ve been grinding. I’ve been pushing myself and it hasn’t been perfect, but I’ve been back and, I definitely plan on having a lot better season. I feel a lot better overall. I’m excited to get to that week one game.”
Did getting healthy take longer than expected?
“I mean I was back and then I had, you know, another setback and, that’s what happens at this position. You hit every play and things happen when you’re training. And I mean, it just is what it is. I’m gonna take this process for what it is. I’m gonna keep grinding. And I’m planning on playing this whole season, whatever comes with it and that’s the plan so far.”
His favorite moment with Gene Chizik
“He had the one we had like a video with it where Michael Jordan, where he was sit at the tables with winners and it’s different. And that was a cool little video he did.”
“He’s a big motivator and gets us going every morning.”
On what the defense have to do to not repeat last year
“I just think we have to dominate. We have to do our job first off, but we have to dominate games and affect the games in a positive way for defense, for our team overall. That’s the standard we hold. So the plan going into this season.”
On his decision to forgo the NFL draft and return to UNC
“I had to sit down with Coach Brown, Coach Chizik, Coach Cross kind of talked to all of ’em about it, and then just what my options were on going to the next level and getting my body right. I just felt that was the best decision. I couldn’t tell you the exact date.”
