The Tar Heels have seen a second wave of defensive transfers with the transfer window opening for the second time this offseason. For the second time today, the Tar Heels have received news that someone is planning to head elsewhere, this time in the form of someone who has already been in the transfer portal once this offseason.
As first reported by Inside Carolina’s Adam Smith, graduate defensive back Ladaeson DeAndre “Dae Dae” Hollins has re-entered the portal following the conclusion of spring camp. Hollins initially entered during the first transfer window back in December following the ACC Championship Game loss to Clemson but removed himself after just three days.
Hollins played the fewest snaps of his career thus far this past season, playing 151 snaps total, only 12 of which came on the defensive side of the football. In his five seasons with the team, Hollins played 1,025 snaps, 666 of which came on the defensive side of the football, racking 39 total tackles, one interception and six pass breakups. He was battling for reps at both outside corner and nickel this spring and saw some decent reps for the team on Saturday.
His departure is a little bit of a blow to the depth at nickel. DeAndre Boykins, who started all 14 games there a year ago, is back, but he simply has to be better in coverage than he was a year ago. Transfer addition Alijah Huzzie has been taking some reps there according to Mack Brown and might be the solution there if Marcus Allen and Lejond Cavazos can thrive on the outside. Georgia State transfer Antavious Lane might be the solution here, though. He played 787 snaps in the slot in his three seasons in Atlanta and had some solid success there. Georgia Tech transfer Derrik Allen also has taken snaps in the slot at his previous stop and could be utilized here as well if they don’t need him at one of the safety spots.