North Carolina Star Edge Rusher Returning Against Pitt

North Carolina has received a major boost defensively against the Pitt Panthers.

Kaimon Rucker — a 6-foot-2, 265-pound senior edge rusher — is dressed and warmed up with the Tar Heels before the Pitt-UNC clash. Rucker has missed the last four games for the Heels.

Rucker was second-team All-ACC last season and was off to a hot start this season before going down with an injury during training. He’s perhaps the most talented defensive player on the roster.

He recorded four tackles (four solo), two tackles for loss, a sack and a pass breakup in the UNC season opener and racked up 61 tackles (34 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a recovery and a pass breakup last season.

It remains to be seen just how active Rucker will be against Pitt, but his presence is huge for a Tar Heels’ defense that has struggled at times this season.

Pitt will have its hands full on the outside, with Branson Taylor and Ryan Baer in line to match up with the talented edge rusher.