To be frank, the North Carolina Tar Heels experienced a miserable 2018 season, however, fans are hopeful that with a new coach and improved quarterback play, this program should be on the rise.
Prestige Rating: 2*
With the massive spotlight the Tar Heels get on the court, it seems that their football program can be left in the shadows and go unnoticed at times. UNC hasn’t won the ACC since 1980 and with programs like Clemson hanging around it could be a while longer until that happens again.
Last Year’s Record: 2-9 (1-7)
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 6
- C Nick Polino
- LT Charlie Heck
- WR Dazz Newsome
- TE Carl Tucker
- RBs Michael Carter & Antonio Williams
Dazz Newsome is one of the Tar Heels most explosive and versatile threats on the field. His role will be vital to their success. Carter and Williams split carries for most of last season. Having them back along with some veteran linemen is a huge plus.
Defense: 6
- DE Tomon Fox
- DT Jason Strowbridge
- LB Dominique Ross
- DBs Trey Morrison, Patrice Rene, & Myles Dorn
North Carolina will take the field without their top 3 tackle leaders this season. Thankfully, they do bring back some returning starters at every level. It will be interesting to see how this defensive unit develops as the season plays out. There could be some growing pains.
Special Teams: 1
Tar Heel fans expect to see Dazz Newsome back returning kicks yet again this season. UNC will face some uncertainty at both of the kicking positions as they have no real experience there.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team:
Storm Duck… Plain and simple.
Greatest Concern: Linebackers
UNC takes a big blow in the second level of their defense. Last season, their lead man, Cole Holcomb, carried quite the load defensively before leaving for the pros. With him out of the picture, North Carolina will need its linebacking core to rally together in order to make up for that lost productivity.
Outlook:
I believe it was time for the Tar Heels to head in a different direction as far as coaching is concerned. A big name like Mack Brown grabs the nation’s attention. Better yet, it grabs the attention of recruits. Fans should try and be patient as it may take time for the team to adjust. After all, no tree bears fruit immediately.
Alcohol Prediction: A dusty old can of Busch Light found in the moldy corner of your mother’s basement.
The pure embodiment of Mack Brown’s return to the sideline.
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