Johnson aims to strengthen UNC Football’s front seven on the defensive side of the ball.
Replacing the impact of Kaimon Rucker and Beau Atkinson is no small feat, but the UNC football program is actively building depth to help fill the gap.
On Friday, the Tar Heels took another step in that direction by securing a commitment from Maryland transfer defensive lineman Lavon Johnson.
A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Lavon Johnson spent his first two collegiate seasons at Maryland. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound nose tackle was projected to contend for a starting role with the Terrapins heading into the 2025 season, but he opted to enter the transfer portal instead.
Primarily used as a rotational player, Johnson appeared in eight games, tallying 14 tackles and one quarterback hurry. While he currently excels more against the run than as a pass rusher, he’s a promising talent who could elevate his game with increased reps—having logged just 165 total snaps so far.
Not every transfer portal addition needs to be a headline-maker. Championship-caliber teams are built on quality depth, and that’s exactly what Johnson brings to the table.
He’s expected to be a key part of the Tar Heels’ defensive line rotation in 2025. And with the Belichick coaching influence now in Chapel Hill, perhaps Johnson’s best football is still ahead of him.
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