A new football season for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and plenty of questions to answer, especially after a 6-0 start turned to an 8-5 finish.
The departure of presumed top-five NFL Draft pick quarterback Drake Maye as well as a changing of the guard on defense with former defensive coordinator Gene Chizik leaving and Geoff Collins taking up the reigns at that position give us an opportunity to focus in on specifics for the spring game.
Who will be the new signal caller for the offense, SEC transfer Max Johnson or returner Conner Harrell?
Tar Heel Power 5 opponents scored an average of 37 points per game in the second half of the season, what will the defense look like in 2024?
Here are a few observations from Kenan Stadium on Saturday afternoon:
- While Johnson got the first set of reps on offense at quarterback, it was Harrell that shined. He finished with three passing touchdowns, two of which came on explosive plays: a deep shot downfield to freshman wide receiver Javarius 'Vari' Green and a quick slant to senior wide receiver Nate McCollum that he took to the house.
"I just remembered I've got fast guys running down the field, so just give them a chance to make a play," Harrell said after the game. His third passing touchdown came on a red-zone fade to freshman wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who high-pointed it for the score.
Johnson threw a touchdown to redshirt freshman wide receiver Paul Billups II. He showed off his scrambling ability on the score, rolling out to his left, buying time and catching Billups near the sideline, who cut back against the defense and found the end zone.
The quarterback competition continues, with no official announcement of a starter. Both Harrell and Johnson believe it's making them better, as they've developed a friendship through the process.
"I mean, we're competing, but at the same time we're on the same team," Johnson said. They eat lunch together most days and have found time to golf together as well. "I've got a really good friendship with him, I've enjoyed coming back after a play, 'Hey what did you see right here? What did I see?' I think we're just continuing to bounce ideas off of each other."
Added Harrell: "We're both great dudes, we're both men of God, we understand we're competing, but we understand we're just people, we're trying to help each other."
Junior running back Omarion Hampton has a chance to be the best in the country at his position. He got plenty of touches at the beginning of the game, rushing and receiving, but pretty quickly hit the bench. We already know what to expect out of him.
That meant plenty of opportunities for the backs behind him. Freshman Davion Gause, sophomore Major Byrd, and grad transfer Darwin Barlow, formerly of TCU and Southern California, saw plenty of touches. Barlow scored a touchdown on a red-zone run between the tackles.
The defense did give up some of the aforementioned big plays, but also caused some havoc. A few tackles for loss, a few "sacks" (sacks in spring game are often called early because tackling the quarterback is very frowned upon) and even a pick-six from junior defensive back Will Hardy off of freshman quarterback Michael Merdinger.
Players continue to compliment Collins, the new defensive coordinator and former Georgia Tech head coach. Senior defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie says the team is playing fast.
"Everyone is explosive. Everyone is just flying to the ball, everyone is free," he siad.
Players say Collins brings a wild amount of energy, not just to the defense, but to the offense, where he's quick to dole out a chest bump if someone makes a play.
"He brings a bunch of energy to the whole team, he's always talking to me and Max and all the quarterbacks, encouraging us," Harrell said.
There were a lot of veteran players unable to go because of injuries, especially on offense. Senior wide receiver J.J. Jones and senior tight end Bryson Nesbit did not participate. Every player that caught a touchdown pass on Saturday was either a freshman or a redshirt freshman. Both quarterbacks mentioned there will be plenty of time spent this summer working with the group and continuing to develop chemistry.
The Tar Heels will begin the season on August 29 on the road against Minnesota. UNC will have three home games in a row after that against Charlotte, North Carolina Central and Old Dominion before beginning ACC play with a road game against rival Duke.
