12/9/08
Most of the country has been wondering how long it would take for head coach Butch Davis to get his Tar Heel football program on the same respectable footing the basketball reputation has earned. Most were pointing to 2009, but Davis made huge strides in 2008 and may have jump-started the rise. This team started out (oh so) strong, but closed out in lesser fashion. Some weaknesses have been uncovered in the process, which now sets their immediate outlook back just a few steps. Surely, coach Davis will take those steps back in stride because he realizes, as does the rest of the college football world, that UNC has a young group, and the latest recruiting classes have been fantastic compared to the typical Chapel Hill hauls of the past. The secondary has found a knack for stealing the ball (ranked No. 1 in the FBS for INTs). Safety Trimane Goddard may have been the best DB, but his services are no longer available. Others - such as Kendric Burney, Williams and Hemby - are quality secondary members. The problem is, they have had to make one-too-many tackles. This defense has a long way to go in terms of stopping opponents. Nine starters returning on a young D means they should be much improved. This side of the ball will be the difference as to whether the Tar Heels can take any next steps. Keep an eye on budding star Marvin Austin at tackle. A rotating quarterback scheme was in order after T.J. Yates went down with an ankle fracture; he returned to share the duties with Cam Sexton. The Heels would be better served to see Yates regain his singular role and hopefully continue the consistent winning success he had before going down. The RB situation is not much different – multiple hats will carry the Heels the farthest. Still, Draughn and Houston will need to find more consistency. Having receiver Hakeem Nicks return for his senior year will be crucial for stretching the field (enough so that losing him to the NFL could push the Heels out of this preseason ranking.) North Carolina is right where Davis and his supporters have envisioned. The influx of young talent is starting to grow up. They still have a few issues to square up this off-season, but they are now annual contenders in the ACC race.