GoHeels Exclusive: Big Plays Define Second Scrimmage

by Pat James

Play of the day

When the North Carolina coaching staff moved Kayne Roberts from linebacker to tailback shortly after the beginning of fall camp, it was unknown how quickly he'd become a factor in the running back rotation this season.

But if Roberts' performance through UNC's first two scrimmages is any indication, his role could become a bit more defined sooner rather than later.

After Larry Fedora said Roberts impressed him during the Tar Heels' opening scrimmage of camp on Tuesday, Roberts picked up where he left on in Sunday's second scrimmage at Kenan Stadium, converting his second carry into a 48-yard touchdown.

Facing an eight-man front, Roberts gained the edge on an outside run before turning upfield and sprinting down the home sideline for the touchdown. Several of Roberts' offensive teammates swarmed him in the end zone, celebrating the first touchdown of the day.

Three who stood out

Tomon Fox: Fedora recently praised Fox for the improvements he's made and his knack for making plays in camp. The redshirt freshman was certainly a defensive force on Sunday, frequenting the offensive backfield and registering two sacks.

Roscoe Johnson: With the UNC offense facing third-and-8 from its own 3-yard line during one drill, Johnson flashed his track speed when he blew past the secondary. Brandon Harris hit Johnson about 40 yards downfield in stride, and Johnson raced his way to a 97-yard touchdown.

Anthony Ratliff-Williams: His 28-yard reception in tight coverage on a late pass from Harris capped an impressive showing by the redshirt sophomore, who added catches of 13 and 15 yards. He also showed flashes in the return game.

Other observations:

·      The defense came up with a nice response to Roberts' touchdown. With the drive starting on the defense's 40-yard line, the unit forced a three-and-out, holding the offense to just a field goal.

·      Speaking of field goals: Freeman Jones made all four of his attempts – two 45-yarders, a 39-yarder and a 37-yarder – and is 7-for-7 through two scrimmages. Noah Ruggles also went 4-for-4 on Sunday, with his longest make coming from 48 yards out.

·      Dajaun Drennon looks the healthiest he's been in quite some time. After coming up with a pair of impact plays during the first scrimmage, he sniffed out a screen pass for a loss of three yards on a first-and-10 and later assisted Tyler Powell on another tackle for loss on Sunday.

·      Tre Shaw continues to make a push for extra reps, recording an interception and an astounding leaping pass breakup.

·      Another freshman who came up with a big play on Sunday was Dazz Newsome, who returned a kickoff nearly the length of the field for a touchdown.

·      After rushing about 50 yards for a touchdown during the first scrimmage, Nathan Elliott appeared to be on his way to a 75-yard touchdown run when the officials called the play dead with a defender in close pursuit of the quarterback. The play went 40 yards, and Elliott also finished with carries of 10 and 11 yards.

·      On a third-and-1, Chavis Little broke a few tackles on his way to a 19-yard touchdown run.

·      Juval Mollette and Jake Bargas went toe-to-toe for the best catch of the day. With a defender draping him, Mollette created just enough separation to catch the ball and get his feet down in bounds for a 27-yard gain. Three series later, Bargas ran a wheel route along the sideline, reached behind his body to make the catch and got one foot down as a defender pushed him out of bounds for a 20-yard gain.

·      After hooking up for a gain of 40 yards during the opening scrimmage, Harris found Jordan Cunningham for 40 yards once again on Sunday.

Scoreboard Slider

University of North Carolina Athletics

Players Mentioned

Jake Bargas

Jordan Cunningham

Dajaun Drennon

Nathan Elliott

Tomon Fox

Brandon Harris

Roscoe Johnson

Freeman Jones

Chavis Little

Juval Mollette

Dazz Newsome

Tyler Powell

Anthony Ratliff-Williams

Kayne Roberts

Noah Ruggles

Tre Shaw

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