Jamie Collins On UNC's Surging Linebacker Play

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — It’s no secret what’s powered North Carolina’s two-game conference win streak: the defense. In back-to-back wins over Syracuse and Stanford, the Tar Heels have allowed an average of just 12.5 points and 236 yards — and that’s with seven of Syracuse’s points coming on a UNC offensive mistake.

Zoom in a little further, and the play of linebackers Khmori House and Andrew Simpson stands out. House, the reigning ACC Linebacker of the Week, posted a career-high 13 tackles and an interception against Stanford, while Simpson added two sacks and a forced fumble.

>>> Welcome to the new home of Inside Carolina! Reactivate your account for $1 <<<

On Thursday at the Kenan Football Center, North Carolina inside linebackers coach Jamie Collins shared his thoughts on what he’s seen from House and Simpson this season.

Read the excerpt below and see above to watch the former pro-bowler’s full interview …

When asked about Andrew Simpson’s play this year: 

“Drew (Andrew Simpson), man, Drew can do a lot. He can rush, he can cover, he runs the games up front. It’s interchangeable, but he’s a quicker guy. He’s experienced, he’s got the experience doing it. I feel like he’s the perfect guy for that role. How many sacks he got? He got four sacks? Man, that’s a lot of sacks, kudos to him. Hats off to him. Once again, he’s an experienced guy. He deserves it. He’s been busting his balls. And we’ll take that any day of the week.”

When asked about Khmori House being named ACC linebacker of the week: 

“Just kudos to him. It shows that you can grow and you can move on and you can mature. And, over time, right, long season, it’s getting late in the year, it’s only right to mature and grow. So it was just good for him that he can understand and put that together and really grow up.”