Quinton Coples opens up about returning to UNC

In an article in the USA Today college football preview, defensive lineman Quinton Coples opened up about his decision to return to North Carolina.

The senior-to-be defensive lineman strongly considered going pro following a breakthrough 2010 season.

People were telling Coples that he could go in the late first round or early in the second. While Coples was close to entering, the deep defensive line field in the 2011 class was a reason he returned to UNC.

“I looked around at the possible competition I might be facing, how many defensive linemen were going to be picked, who was announcing they were coming out early,” Coples told the paper. “I sat down with my family, and we really thought that coming back would be my best option. I love Carolina. I thought this would be a great opportunity to get my degree, get better on the field and work to help us win more games. ”

One of the things noted in Coples’ prospect notes is that he needs to improve his first step at the line. That may even be an area where Coples wants to get better.

Despite finishing the season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, Coples said he wants work on getting as much pressure as possible on the quarterback.

“This year, I just want to put as much pressure as possible on the quarterbacks, just focus on getting to the passer and always just coming hard and making plays.”