GoHeels Exclusive: Midweek Notebook

By Pat James, GoHeels.com

Nine months since Mack Brown returned to North Carolina for his second stint as head football coach, the Tar Heels finally get to see how much they've progressed when they face South Carolina in the Belk College Kickoff on Saturday in Charlotte.

And perhaps no player described the team's mindset entering that contest better than Michael Carter.

"We get to go out there and have fun, get to hang out with my friends on Saturday at a high level," Carter told reporters Tuesday at the Kenan Football Center. "We're just excited about going to Charlotte and playing a good team."

Here are eight more notes from Tuesday's player availability:

Crawford's return

Sidelined by injury for all but two games, Aaron Crawford played just seven total snaps last season. Now, approaching the first game of his final collegiate campaign, the graduate defensive lineman said he's trying to maintain his composure.

"I haven't played in an actual football game in its entirety since 2017," Crawford said. "So, this is something I've been looking forward to for a very long time and I really just can't wait to get after it."

Dorn cherishing final season

Saturday will also mark the last first game of Myles Dorn's collegiate career. The senior defensive back said he's struggled processing that.

"It's crazy because when I was a freshman, I kind of walked into every practice and you knew more was going to come," Dorn said. "But now knowing this is it, it's crazy. You just reminisce on everything. I'm not a real sensitive person, but I get in my feelings every time, like, 'Yo, this is the last one.' It's crazy how the time flies."

As a true freshman in 2016, Dorn appeared in all 13 games at safety, helping the Tar Heels to an 8-5 record. They've won five total games in the two years since then. So, Dorn is eager to see how much progress he and his teammates have made since last season.

"I've been through so much with this program," he said. "Coming in, we were a pretty good team and we've seen the lowest of lows the past two years. So, I'm excited just to see the change that has happened and see where we are as a team. It's going to be a test for us and we're going to see where we're at."

A lasting impression

A day after Mack Brown said Sam Howell will start Saturday's game – during which Jace Ruder might also make an appearance – the majority of Tuesday's availability was spent discussing the true freshman quarterback.

Antonio Williams referenced Howell's ability to command the huddle as a significant reason why he's in the position he's in. Not all freshmen possess that trait. But Williams sensed Howell might after playing against him in 2015, when Williams was a senior at North Stanly High School in New London and Howell was a freshman at Sun Valley High School in Monroe.

Howell completed 16 of 31 passes for 391 yards and four touchdowns in a 63-38 win. Despite the loss, Williams, then a Wisconsin commit, finished with 361 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries.

"At that time I had kind of established myself in high school and as a higher-ranked guy," Williams said. "Going into the game, I was like, 'Who is this guy?' And he was just throwing the ball all over the field. They beat us. From that point on, I knew he was going to be legit."

Howell also recalled that game.

"Everyone was talking about Antonio Williams and all this," Howell said. "It was my freshman year. I think they came to our place and we beat them by about 30 or 40 points. He had a really good game. He had like 300 yards against us. But I do remember beating Antonio as a freshman."

Howell stepping up

When Brown announced on Aug. 18 that Howell would begin taking snaps with the Blue Team, UNC's terminology for first team, the hope was that Howell would step up as a leader. Since then, Howell said it's been easier for him to do just that. But he hasn't changed his approach.

"I would say it kind of came natural," said Howell of how he's asserted himself as a leader. "Even when we were competing, I was still trying to step up and lead these guys. Now that I am the guy, I need to step a little more than I have been. Everyone is looking to me to lead the team as the starting quarterback. So, I need to start doing that. … I think my leadership can improve."

Howell specifically said he needs to be more vocal. That, however, doesn't mean he's been quiet.

"I don't think he gets enough credit for what he does vocally because he has a lot of respect in the locker room already and he's had that," Carter said. "He isn't the most vocal, like (Baltimore Ravens legend) Ray Lewis. … I think the way he leads is mostly by example, but there is a vocal aspect to it."

'A breath of fresh air'

Unlike the past few seasons, no Carolina player sustained a significant injury during training camp. That's been somewhat of a morale boost.

"It definitely is (refreshing)," Crawford said."It's something I haven't seen in a little while. Being able to come out every day and see less and less red jerseys is definitely a breath of fresh air."

"Coming in healthy, it shows we're doing things the right way," Dorn said. "It shows we're being taken care of. I think that will pay off in the long haul. Game 1 feels like Game 1. It doesn't feel like Week 5. It doesn't feel like we've been playing half a season. I think that's the biggest part, just durability throughout the season. We're going to be alright and we're going to be fresh."

Williams' conditioning

On Monday, Brown said Williams has lost some weight and "he's in much better shape and he's much quicker than he was last year." Williams, who is listed at 215 pounds, expanded on that comment.

"I feel amazing," Williams said. "I feel like I can get in and out of holes a lot quicker. I feel like I can hit the edges. I tried to do that because a few times last year I got caught from behind and I definitely want to get away from that this year. I haven't been caught from behind yet, so that's a big thing.

"I feel really good. My body feels the best it's felt since I've been in college and I can't wait for Saturday."

Center of attention

After appearing in 36 games and starting 14 at guard across his first three seasons, Nick Polino began taking reps at center during spring practice. He's since cemented himself as the Tar Heels' likely starter at the position.

"Nick's come a long way since he moved to center," Howell said. "His snaps at first were a little inconsistent, but I can't even remember a bad one these past two days. He's come a really long way. I'm really glad I have him right there to protect me."

Polino will face a stiff test Saturday in the form of South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, who ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay ranks as the No. 28 prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.

"Up to this point, he looks incredible on film," said Polino of Kinlaw. "He's big, powerful, explosive, future top draft pick written all over him. As a center, he lines up predominantly on the inside and in their odd front he'll be right over me.

"With dudes like that, you've just got to watch as much film as possible, break it down, get to where you know everything inside and out, just like you would with any great player. You've just got to be as prepared as possible. He's definitely a phenomenal talent, but I don't think anyone on our O-line is going to roll over or anything like that. It's going to be great. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

'A really exciting opportunity'

Dorn, Howell and Williams are three of the several players on the Tar Heels' roster who grew up in or around Charlotte. All three expressed excitement about playing in front of friends and family at Bank of America Stadium.

"It's awesome," Howell said. "It's the stadium I grew up going to games in, it's the stadium I dreamed of playing in going to Panthers games and stuff like that. Just the opportunity to go back home, a lot of people are going to come to the game. So, it's just a really exciting opportunity."

Players Mentioned

Michael Carter

Aaron Crawford

Myles Dorn

Nick Polino

Jace Ruder

Antonio Williams

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