University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: UNC Athletic Communications
GoHeels Exclusive: Powell's Versatility Pays Off
September 7, 2018 | Football, Featured Writers
When the North Carolina football team last played East Carolina, on Sept. 20, 2014, Tyler Powell didn't know what to expect of the environment inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
The road contest marked the first of his college career. In it, he recorded his first sack. But asked Wednesday about that game, a 70-41 UNC defeat, Powell didn't recall those experiences as much as the unpleasant memories still fueling him entering Saturday's game in Greenville.
"For me, it's one of those (games) that I've kind of been waiting for, just because I hate that feeling," said Powell, one of two current Tar Heels who played in that 2014 game. "That was kind of brutal, and as a freshman and especially since I got hurt that game.Â
"So being able to have that second chance to come back and really be able to redeem ourselves, I think that's going to be really important."
This time last year, Powell didn't expect to receive a second chance against the Pirates.
He entered last season as one of Carolina's 14 seniors. And after missing the first two games, he made his season debut in the win at Old Dominion, registering a tackle and a blocked field goal.
Powell made his second straight start the next week against Duke. But after posting two first-half tackles, he suffered a knee injury on the first play of the second half. He didn't play another snap that day, nor the rest of the season.
It was another cruel twist of fate for Powell, hampered by injuries for much of his career. But because he played in just two games before his injury and had never redshirted, he received a medical hardship waiver, allowing him to return as a fifth-year senior this season.
In the past, Powell said he occasionally dwelled on individual goals. Last year changed his mindset, though. And now he's relishing the extra season he's been granted.
"I've really been able to enjoy the game a lot more, being around the guys on the team and being able to help coach up some of the younger guys," he said. "I just enjoy being back out there. And whatever comes from my performance this season, it comes.Â
"But that's not the first thing in my mind. I'm more worried about how we do as a team and making sure we're on the right track and we can get everybody who we need to, to contribute."
So whether it's been during practices or last Saturday's season opener at California, Powell has been one of UNC's most vocal players. Few Tar Heels are more respected. And that's not just because he's one of the longest tenured.
"He's one of those guys who you don't have to worry about ever having an off day or anything like that," Cole Holcomb said. "He's just always a hard worker, and you just know if you're not having it today, Tyler is going to bring it."
Powell's most valuable trait, however, might be his versatility.
In the loss against the Golden Bears, Powell appeared at nose tackle, at three-technique defensive tackle, at defensive end and on special teams. He tallied two tackles. John Papuchis said Powell transitioned to and from each position "pretty seamlessly" and didn't miss any assignments.
Powell prides himself on his knowledge of the defensive system. That, he said, has not only helped him further develop and play multiple positions, but it also aids him with coaching younger players and instructing them on where they should be.
Where Powell plays each game will vary on a week-to-week basis depending on matchups and depth, among other factors. Saturday, he'll play more defensive end with Malik Carney out.
"It's great to have a utility guy like that who can kind of fill in wherever you need him …" Papuchis said. "Most guys don't ever get to that point. But he's special in terms of his football IQ."
Asked if he's told the younger players about the environment that awaits them Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Powell said he hasn't shared many details from his last trip. But his experience could be key.
"It's going to be a tough game," Powell said. "We're going to have to go out there and battle. I know from being there last time, they play hard, and the environment is going to be crazy. … So we've got to come in there with our A-game."
He expects nothing less.
The road contest marked the first of his college career. In it, he recorded his first sack. But asked Wednesday about that game, a 70-41 UNC defeat, Powell didn't recall those experiences as much as the unpleasant memories still fueling him entering Saturday's game in Greenville.
"For me, it's one of those (games) that I've kind of been waiting for, just because I hate that feeling," said Powell, one of two current Tar Heels who played in that 2014 game. "That was kind of brutal, and as a freshman and especially since I got hurt that game.Â
"So being able to have that second chance to come back and really be able to redeem ourselves, I think that's going to be really important."
This time last year, Powell didn't expect to receive a second chance against the Pirates.
He entered last season as one of Carolina's 14 seniors. And after missing the first two games, he made his season debut in the win at Old Dominion, registering a tackle and a blocked field goal.
Powell made his second straight start the next week against Duke. But after posting two first-half tackles, he suffered a knee injury on the first play of the second half. He didn't play another snap that day, nor the rest of the season.
It was another cruel twist of fate for Powell, hampered by injuries for much of his career. But because he played in just two games before his injury and had never redshirted, he received a medical hardship waiver, allowing him to return as a fifth-year senior this season.
In the past, Powell said he occasionally dwelled on individual goals. Last year changed his mindset, though. And now he's relishing the extra season he's been granted.
"I've really been able to enjoy the game a lot more, being around the guys on the team and being able to help coach up some of the younger guys," he said. "I just enjoy being back out there. And whatever comes from my performance this season, it comes.Â
"But that's not the first thing in my mind. I'm more worried about how we do as a team and making sure we're on the right track and we can get everybody who we need to, to contribute."
So whether it's been during practices or last Saturday's season opener at California, Powell has been one of UNC's most vocal players. Few Tar Heels are more respected. And that's not just because he's one of the longest tenured.
"He's one of those guys who you don't have to worry about ever having an off day or anything like that," Cole Holcomb said. "He's just always a hard worker, and you just know if you're not having it today, Tyler is going to bring it."
Powell's most valuable trait, however, might be his versatility.
In the loss against the Golden Bears, Powell appeared at nose tackle, at three-technique defensive tackle, at defensive end and on special teams. He tallied two tackles. John Papuchis said Powell transitioned to and from each position "pretty seamlessly" and didn't miss any assignments.
Powell prides himself on his knowledge of the defensive system. That, he said, has not only helped him further develop and play multiple positions, but it also aids him with coaching younger players and instructing them on where they should be.
Where Powell plays each game will vary on a week-to-week basis depending on matchups and depth, among other factors. Saturday, he'll play more defensive end with Malik Carney out.
"It's great to have a utility guy like that who can kind of fill in wherever you need him …" Papuchis said. "Most guys don't ever get to that point. But he's special in terms of his football IQ."
Asked if he's told the younger players about the environment that awaits them Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Powell said he hasn't shared many details from his last trip. But his experience could be key.
"It's going to be a tough game," Powell said. "We're going to have to go out there and battle. I know from being there last time, they play hard, and the environment is going to be crazy. … So we've got to come in there with our A-game."
He expects nothing less.
Players Mentioned
Defensive End
/ Football
Linebacker
/ Football
Defensive Line
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