Off Season Look: North Carolina

By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor

SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett takes an off-season look at the North Carolina Tar Heels. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

2009 Recap - A disappointing 4-3 start, inconsistency which peaked with a 16-3 loss at Virginia, was saved by a second-half finish that included wins over Virginia Tech, Miami and Boston College. North Carolina found their groove in late October through November before losing a one-point heartbreaker to rival NC State in Raleigh to finish the regular season. The late-game struggles continued in the Meineke Car Care Bowl against Pittsburgh as the Tar Heels fell 19-17 on a Panther field goal.

Biggest Strength - Defense. Nine starters return from a unit that had the ACC's top-ranked rush defense and second-rated pass defense. The Tar Heels should have the premier unit in the league and one of the top defenses nationally. End Robert Quinn, tackle Marvin Austin, linebackers Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter and defensive backs Kendric Burney and Deunta Williams are all postseason award candidates. Quinn led the ACC in tackles for loss last season with 19. North Carolina allowed just 17 points per game a year ago and that was with an offense that led in the ACC in turnovers committed with 27. This defense should be even better this season.

Biggest Question - Can North Carolina be more efficient throwing the football? The Tar Heels averaged under 175 yards passing per game and returning starter T.J. Yates struggled with interceptions, throwing 15. Entering his senior season, Yates has 39 career touchdown passes, but he must limit his mistakes. Untimely turnovers cost the Tar Heels games last year. Yates may be pushed by redshirt freshman talent Bryn Renner this spring.

Top Returnee, Offense - Greg Little, WR
Top Returnee, Defense - Robert Quinn, DE
Rising Star - Erik Highsmith, WR
Newcomer to Watch - James Hurst, OL

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Comments

Gio Bernard should add a dynamic option to the offense. The defense is set up to be crazy good. Yates vs. Renner should set up for a good qb battle. I’m ready!

Posted by UNC 98 on 03/01 at 04:26 PM

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