University of North Carolina Athletics
GoHeels Exclusive: Tomon Fox Q&A
April 3, 2019 | Football, Featured Writers
By Pat James, GoHeels.com
Among the most interesting storylines entering spring football practice was which North Carolina players who played defensive end last season would stand up and convert to outside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman's scheme.
Tomon Fox has proven to be one of those. And speaking with reporters after UNC's 10th spring practice on Tuesday, he discussed that change, among other topics.
The following is an excerpt from the interview.
Q: With this new defensive scheme, how does your job change at rush end?
Tomon Fox: I just have a more fluid job. I have a lot more responsibility in the pass game and also up front. I play interior a lot, too. I'm just very multiple.
Q: Is it difficult learning the nuances there?
TF: Not really because we go over it before every practice. And then once we come out here, in individual period, we still go over it even more.
Q: How much have you guys as a group progressed in learning everything? Are things kind of clicking more now as opposed to two weeks ago?
TF: Day by day you can see improvement in everybody. Everybody is playing faster because they know it more. We're not thinking as much. I just see improvement as long as we go on.
Q: As far as how the coaches handle having patience with you guys learning this, have they been really patient or are they kind of speeding things up because you only have a limited time here in spring and next thing you know you're playing a game?
TF: At first, they were kind of patient. But now, if you mess up, they're going to let you know because we need to get things right, we need to get everybody to pay attention and stay disciplined. Especially if you mess up on the same thing twice or multiple times, that's when they really try to put their foot down.
Q: Mack (Brown) said something last week about accountability throughout the program, with the coaches and with you guys. How much accountability are they putting on you now, especially as an older guy, with learning this new scheme?
TF: They definitely put a lot of accountability on the older guys just because they expect us to be able to learn the defense and also be able to help the younger guys at the same time. But it's just like any other team; the old heads have to help the young guys out.
Q: What's the spilt for you with your hand down versus not?
TF: I'm like 90-10. I barely ever put my hand down now. Only if I think I need to I put my hand down. Maybe like 95-5. … If it's like goal-line (situations), heavy personnel, I'm going to put my hand down. But even if it's third-and-short, I'm going to be in a two-point (stance), but I'm just going to be more squared.
Q: What's unique about how (defensive line) Coach (Tim) Cross coaches you guys?
TF: He has a lot of energy and he makes sure we get every little detail correct. He watches everything. He'll notice every little thing. Even if you think you had a good rep, he'll find something you need to improve on, which is good for us.
