Te'Cory Couch Talks UNC Atmosphere, Pass Defense, and Preparing for Drake Maye

[Peter Ariz]

Miami cornerback Te'Cory Couch spoke to the media today about challenges the team will face as they head to UNC this week and reflected on lessons from their last game.

One of the first topics Couch touched upon was UNC's standout quarterback, Drake Maye. "Drake is dangerous all around," said Couch. "He's a great quarterback - one of the best in the country right now. Whether he's in the pocket or outside of it, he's consistently making plays happen. He's just an all-around very good player."

Couch, who played on the road in Chapel Hill in his first year, gave insight into the charged atmosphere the team will be heading into. "It's a different type of atmosphere," he mused. "A lot of people show up for the game, so getting ready for the noise and craziness is a fun process we're going through this week."

Asked about the preparation process to handle the UNC crowd noise, Couch elaborated that while it's primarily a concern for the offense, the coaches have incorporated crowd music during practice sessions.

Looking at the defensive lapses from last week, Couch emphasized the importance of staying sharp throughout the entirety of the game. "We just have to execute at all times, whether it's the start or the end of the game. That's the vital lesson we've learned," he shared, "and we're moving forward with positive energy."

Couch attributed the secondary’s pass defense success to overall team chemistry and efficient communication. "The whole defense, from the front seven to the DBs, has been doing their part. On the back end, we've developed a ton of chemistry and trust," he said.

Addressing the threat of UNC's talented receivers, Couch described them as "explosive" and proficient "in space." He acknowledged, "They're deep threats with all-around abilities, from blocking to catching. It's going to be a tough challenge, but we're excited for the opportunity."

The conversation then shifted to the return of teammate Kam Kinchens. Couch seemed thrilled, mentioning, "Kam's a starter; he's a leader for us. We needed him out there. There was no change or drop off when he returned." When probed further, Couch shared that Kinchens was neither too high nor too low in spirits, maintaining a good neutral stance, ready to play.