What will UNC football’s depth chart look like in season opener? Our final prediction
UNC football’s depth chart is taking shape as the 2023 season opener against South Carolina in Charlotte gets closer.
Following a recent practice, head coach Mack Brown gave an idea of what the Tar Heels’ depth chart might look against the Gamecocks on Sept. 2 (7:30 p.m., ABC) when College GameDay visits Bank of America Stadium for the Duke’s Mayo Classic.
Here are our projections for what the starting lineup could look like in the first game.
Quarterback
The starter(s): Drake Maye, R-So.
The reserves: Conner Harrell, R-Fr.
This projection is a no-brainer. Maye, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, is expected to be a Heisman Trophy contender this season. Brown said Harrell has improved during preseason practices and coaches are hoping the QBs will be able to get the ball out quicker to limit sacks this season.
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Running back
The starter(s): Omarion Hampton, So.; Elijah Green, Jr.
The reserves: British Brooks, Gr.; Caleb Hood, Jr.; George Pettaway, So.
This is arguably UNC’s most talented group entering the season. Each of the Tar Heels’ five running backs have experienced success at different points, and Brown will likely give each player an opportunity to showcase his skills. When in doubt, roll with the hot hand. As it stands Green, Hampton and Brooks seem like the best options to get the bulk of the work.
Wide receiver
The starter(s): Tez Walker, R-Jr.; Nate McCollum, Sr.; J.J. Jones, Jr.; Kobe Paysour, R-So.
The reserves: Chris Culliver, Fr.; Andre Green Jr., So.; Gavin Blackwell, R-So.; Christian Hamilton, Fr.; Doc Chapman, R-Fr.
All eyes are on Tez Walker and his situation with the NCAA. As it stands, Walker isn’t eligible to play this season for the Tar Heels. But Brown and the coaching staff are hopeful the NCAA will reverse its decision based on Walker’s circumstances. Georgia Tech transfer Nate McCollum also figures to play a major role, along with returners J.J. Jones and Kobe Paysour. Brown has also been impressed with true freshman Chris Culliver.
Tight end
The starter(s): John Copenhaver, R-Jr.
The reserves: Bryson Nesbit, Jr.; Kamari Morales, Gr.; Julian Randolph, Fr.; Deems Mays, R-Fr.
Another group loaded with talent, Copenhaver, Nesbit and Morales each have the ability to be an outlet for Maye and improve UNC’s run game.
Offensive line
The starter(s): William Barnes, R-Sr. (left tackle); Ed Montilus, Gr. (left guard); Corey Gaynor, Gr. (center); Jonathan Adorno, Sr. (right guard), Spencer Rolland, Gr. (right tackle)
The reserves: Willie Lampkin, Sr.; Diego Pounds, R-So.; Zach Rice, R-Fr.; Trevyon Green, R-Fr.; RJ Grisby, Fr. (injured)
Those top five seem secure, along with Coastal Carolina transfer Willie Lampkin. Brown also pointed out the growth of Diego Pounds. If UNC is going to maximize its potential, this group has to be consistent.
Defensive line
The starter(s): Des Evans, Sr. (defensive end); Kevin Hester Jr., R-Sr. (nose tackle); Myles Murphy, Sr. (defensive tackle); Kaimon Rucker, Sr. (jack)
The reserves: Jahvaree Ritzie, Jr.; Tomari Fox, R-Sr.; Travis Shaw, So.; Beau Atkinson, R-Fr.; Jacolbe Cowan, R-Jr.; Amari Gainer, Gr.
After finishing toward the bottom in sacks and pressures last season, UNC’s defensive line might be the Tar Heels’ most important position group. Des Evans is back from injury, Tomari Fox is back from suspension and Kaimon Rucker – along with Florida State transfer Amari Gainer – figure to provide a boost in the edge-rushing department.
Linebacker
The starter(s): Cedric Gray, Sr.; Power Echols, Jr.
The reserves: Amare Campbell, Fr.; Sebastian Cheeks, R-Fr.
The emotional leader and top producer for UNC’s defense, Cedric Gray is expected to be one of the top linebackers in the nation. Power Echols also brings stability to that unit, but Brown has been impressed with Amare Campbell’s development as a freshman.
Cornerback
The starter(s): Alijah Huzzie, Jr.; Marcus Allen, So.
The reserves: Tayon Holloway, R-Fr.; Lejond Cavazos R-Jr.
Brown has raved about Tayon Holloway throughout preseason practice. The redshirt freshman could see a lot of time in the rotation with East Tennessee State transfer Alijah Huzzie and sophomore Marcus Allen.
Safety
The starter(s): Gio Biggers, Gr.; Will Hardy, So.
The reserves: Derrik Allen, Gr.; Don Chapman, Sr.
Hardy has been banged up, but Brown said the sophomore has a chance to play in the season opener. Biggers handled the role well at times in 2022.
Star
The starter(s): DeAndre Boykins, Jr.; Antavious “Stick” Lane, Gr.
The reserves: Kaleb Cost, Fr.; DJ Jones, Sr.
Like Hardy, Boykins and Lane have dealt with preseason injuries but they have a chance to play against South Carolina. Those setbacks have allowed Cost and Jones, who started his career as a running back, to get some familiarity with the position.
Specialists
The starter(s): Ryan Coe (kicker), Ben Kiernan (punter), Drew Little (long snapper)
The reserves: Noah Burnette (kicker), Cole Maynard (punter), Spencer Triplett (long snapper)
Kiernan is an All-ACC punter and Coe was brought in as a Cincinnati transfer to provide improvement as a place kicker.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: What will UNC football’s depth chart look like against South Carolina?
