University of North Carolina Athletics
Position-by-Position Analysis
August 19, 2004 | Football
Aug. 19, 2004
Position by Position Analysis QB -- Durant's spot in Carolina history secure. Now he just wants to win. Toward that end, he's working to become more patient and let the WR routes develop. Time for Baker to step up as No. 1 reserve. RB -- McGill emerged in '03 as best blend of durability, power and speed in some time. Lewis excels as blocker and receiver, hopefully can stay ding-free. Hedgecock returns to FB, bolsters running game. WR -- Pollock No. 1 threat with good hands, great wheels, lots of heart. Soph threesome of Mason (speed), Holley (hands) and Bowman (size) a load for secondaries. Mitchell at 6-3 another tall target. OL -- O-line after years in wilderness becoming a program strength. Eighty-three career starts among C Brown, LT McNeill and RT Seagraves. Smith returns after two years of injury. Chacos star-in-waiting. TE -- Depth chart lacks "go-to" guy, but opportunity exists for someone to step forward. Hamlett top receiver from '03 with 11 catches and one TD. Dumas good run blocker after switch from DE. DE -- Strong and quick Guy debuts at left side after impressive year on scout team. Davis could have excellent senior year on right side if hamstring woes will subside. Blizzard, Rackley top backups. DT -- Loss of senior Page hurts. Freshman Mitchell will move inside, backed up by another freshman, Price. Seawright and Thomas lighter and quicker at nose. Bynum hampered in camp by injury. LB -- Still weak link of defense. Sparkman graduates into MLB role, Richardson impressive in move to SLB from safety. Weakside unsettled as Edwards demoted to third team before injury. DB -- Loses Reid and Waddell to graduation and Hawkins to transfer, but maturity of Green, Watkins, Holt, Walker and others and addition of Sensabaugh give hope for improved '04. Carey could move to LB. ST -- Mason, Pollock among many threats returning kicks. Punting job on capable leg of sophomore Wooldridge. True freshman Barth expected to handle placements with power and accuracy.
