Kyler

McMichael

The Tar Heels could receive a welcome boost in the secondary for Saturday’s game, as Duck (6'1/195) has returned to practice. It’s important to keep in mind that no decision has been made regarding his status for the matchup with Notre Dame, but the fact that the sophomore cornerback is back on the field is good news. Also, fellow sophomore cornerback Kyler McMichael (undisclosed) has already been declared available for the game.

McMichael (6'1/196) will be forced to sit out the 2019 season per transfer rules, but he’ll likely be a starter in 2020 and beyond. After enrolling at Clemson as a four-star recruit, McMichael struggled to climb the depth chart, primarily operating as a depth or special teams option. McMichael has previously been compared to USC CB/S Marvell Tell.

McMichael (6'1/196) initially signed with Clemson as a four-star “athlete” recruit last winter and went on to appear in 12 games while recording minimal statistical production. The sophomore was listed as backup to A.J. Terrell on the team’s preseason depth chart released last week. Unless he drops out of the FBS, McMichael will be required to sit out the coming campaign after he settles on a new team.

“McMichael is a smooth, natural athlete who transitions easily in space,” Luginbill writes. “He attacks the ball in the air, has the explosiveness to take it the distance and is not afraid to mix it up in the run game.” The analyst compares the 6-foot-1, 196-pounder to USC S Marvell Tell, noting that "[b]oth have ideal height, and eventually McMichael will fill out like Tell has. Both come from a background playing on both sides of the ball with good ball skills.” McMichael ranks as ESPN’s No. 118 overall prospect for the 2018 cycle.