University of North Carolina Athletics
Position-by-Position Analysis
August 29, 2005 | Football
Aug. 29, 2005
by Lee Pace, Extra Points
Quarterback - Matt Baker's time has come after a red-shirt season and three more watching Darian Durant sling the ball for 5.47 miles (9,630 yards). He's big, has a strong arm, is smart and runs reasonably well. He's a good leader and a take-charge guy in the huddle. Now he has to perform under fire. Back-up is a major question with injuries to Roger Heinz and Cam Sexton and a last-minute recruiting loss last winter. Red-shirt freshman Joey Bozich has been up-and-down with the second team.
Running Back - One of the key question areas with the departure of two seniors and the injury to Ronnie McGill. The tailback job belongs to Barrington Edwards, who brings a statuesque physique, good athleticism and a boatload of desire and élan to the job. Rikki Cook replaces Madison Hedgecock at fullback and could take snaps at tailback as well. Two freshmen to watch at tailback: Cooter Arnold and Richie Rich. And one at fullback: Nick Starcevic, who's already picked up the nickname "Novocaine" (he'll knock you out.)
Wide Receivers - A strength with two-deep talent and experience at each of three positions. "Wide receiver is the strongest part of our offense," says junior Jesse Holley. "We'll be in attack-mode with the receivers. Everyone is special in some way--Mike Mason's speed, Derrele Mitchell's size, Jarwarski Pollock's quickness, Wallace Wright's smoothness inside, my catching ability. It's like, pick your poison. Matt Baker can have a buffet." Del Roberts and Brooks Foster are in the mix as well.
Offensive Line - The loss of Jason Brown at center is a huge hole to fill. Coach Hal Hunter says of replacement candidates Steven Bell, a senior, and Ben Lemming, a sophomore: "They are in a five-mile race with one mile to go and they're neck-and-neck." The other four spots are solid with Brian Chacos (LT), Charlston Gray (LG), Kyle Ralph (RG) and Skip Seagraves (RT). Arthur Smith and Kendall High among top reserves. Calvin Darrity and Scott Lenahan have made quicker-than-expected recoveries from injuries. Three true freshmen could earn back-up roles as well: Garrett Reynolds, Kyle Jolly and Andre Barbour.
Tight End - The Heels lose two good blockers in Scott Brumett and Jocques Dumas. Junior Jon Hamlett is the starter and is solid in the running and throwing games. Justin Phillips is the second tight end and the first "H" back; he'll also play the important role as "personal protector" and field general of the punt team. Richard Quinn a true freshman who entered school last January and shows tremendous upside.
Defensive End - Developing into a solid position for the Tar Heels. Tommy Davis a fifth-year senior at right end and healthy after off-season foot surgery; he's the strongest ever to play the spot for the Heels (measuring bench press, power clean and squat). Brian Rackley at left came on strong late in 2004. Kentawn Balmer a future all-star. Hilee Taylor a tremendous speed rusher battling back from knee problems. Melik Brown now full-time at end after starting his career at outside linebacker.
Defensive Tackle - It's been a long time since the Heels were talented, experienced and deep at this position. They're getting close now. Chase Page and Kyndraus Guy an outstanding combo with the first team. Khalif Mitchell an incredible physical specimen with tons of attitude and desire; he'll get better with age and experience. Shelton Bynum a top reserve. True freshman Cameron Thomas needs to lose some baby fat but was a key recruiting victory in the 2004-05 campaign.
Linebacker - There's plenty of experience and know-how among the starters with seniors Tommy Richardson, Doug Justice and Jeff Longhany in the starting lineup. Junior Larry Edwards primed to fulfill high expectations after sophomore slump in 2004. Chase Rice, a red-shirt freshman, brings speed to the nickel package. Victor Worsley and Durrell Mapp key reserves, Garrett White a true freshman to note for the future.
Defensive Back - Carolina's major challenges are to overcome the void of leadership from strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who's now with the NFL's Jaguars, and get veteran cornerback Jacoby Watkins back to full strength. Watkins missed the first week of practice and still is not full speed after suffering from dizziness. Quinton Person filled in with the No. 1 unit opposite veteran Ced Holt. Mahlon Carey and Trimane Goddard battling for job at strong alongside free safety Kareen Taylor.
Special Teams - The kickers are outstanding--punter David Wooldridge and place-kicker Connor Barth--but the Heels have to break in new snapper and holder. Former likely to be Warren Green, latter could be WR Andrew Wasserman. Overall schemes for special teams have been simplified under new coordinator Andre Powell. "We want our best players out there playing with abandon and not over-thinking," he says. True freshman Brandon Tate will be an outstanding return specialist--perhaps as soon as this season.
Send your questions about Tar Heel football to Lee Pace at lpace@nc.rr.com . Please include your first and last names and hometown. . Individual replies are not possible because of volume of mail received. His Q&A column will appear each Friday during the season.
