March 15, 2010
Chapel Hill, N.C. ----- Following back-to-back eight win seasons, North Carolina has higher goals in 2010 as it welcomes back 39 lettermen and an ACC-high 21 starters. The Tar Heels return 10 starters on offense, nine starters on defense and both their place-kicker and punter.
Carolina has made consecutive bowl trips for the first time since the late 1990s and will look to continue that streak when they start the season vs. LSU in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff in Atlanta. But before the season unfolds, the Tar Heels have work to do this spring. They must replace two starters on the defensive line, rework the offensive line and improve their special teams play.
"We must become a more balanced football team," says Butch Davis, who heads into his fourth season as UNC's head coach. "We can not rely solely on our defense to win games. We have an experienced team on both sides of the ball and we have a great opportunity this year to continue to build the program. We are excited about playing LSU in the season opener and our schedule is extremely challenging."
The best news this offseason came in January when six Carolina juniors who were considering entering the NFL Draft decided to return for their senior season. Those players included defensive standouts Marvin Austin, Kendric Burney, Bruce Carter, Quan Sturdivant and Deunta Williams. Add in second-team All-America defensive end Robert Quinn and the Tar Heels hope to repeat as the ACC's best defense. They finished sixth in the nation last year, allowing just 269 yards per game. However, Carolina must replace defensive tackle Cam Thomas and defensive end E.J. Wilson, both of whom are expected to be selected in the 2010 NFL Draft in April. Juniors Tydreke Powell (DT) and Quinton Coples (DE) are expected to step into those positions, but will have to prove themselves this spring.
Despite losing just one starter on offense, Carolina will look to reconfigure its offense live. Gone is left tackle
Kyle Jolly, and rising senior
Alan Pelc is out for the spring with a shoulder injury.
Jonathan Cooper, who started nine games last year at guard, will move to center, opening a spot for
Travis Bond at guard. Bond impressed the coaching staff last year in his first career start vs. Pittsburgh in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Three-year starter T.J. Yates returns as the starting quarterback this spring, along with tailbacks Shaun Draughn (nine starts) and Ryan Houston (four starts). Highly touted redshirt freshman Bryn Renner, who also is playing on the UNC baseball team, opens spring as the backup quarterback.
The Tar Heels return 15 of the 16 players who caught at least one pass last year, including leading receiver Greg Little (62 catches for 724 yards, 5 TDs). Sophomores Erik Highsmith and Jheranie Boyd should only improve after earning playing time as true freshmen.
Spring Game On ESPN, April 10 at 3 p.m.
North Carolina will hold its Blue-White Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 10 at 3 p.m., and for the first time in school history, the game will be televised nationally by ESPN. Admission to the Blue-White Game is free.
Head coach Butch Davis will divide the teams into two squads and the Tar Heels will play four 12-minute quarters. Many other game-day events and activities are currently being planned and final details will be released on TarHeelBlue.com when they become available.
"The Blue-White Game is an excellent opportunity to showcase our football program and we are thrilled ESPN has chosen to telecast our contest," said Davis. "In addition to the returning upperclassmen, the game also will feature several young players who will make a significant impact this season. This will be the first glimpse at the 2010 Tar Heels and I encourage all Carolina fans to pack Kenan Stadium on April 10. Your participation, energy and enthusiasm continues to make a significant impact on our success."
The Blue-White Game is the 15th and final spring practice date for the Tar Heels, who begin spring workouts on March 15. ESPN, which reaches more than 99 million households, will televise the events from Kenan Stadium from 3-5 p.m.
Carolina's tentative spring practice dates are March 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31 and April 1, 5, 7, 8, 10. Per NCAA rules, tams must complete their 15 spring practices within 34 calendar days. Practices are closed to the public except for the Spring Game. Carolina will report in the fall on Aug. 5.
Coaching Staff Continuity
For the first time since Carl Torbush's first two years as UNC's head coach (1998-99), Carolina's coaching staff is completely intact in back-to-back seasons. All nine assistants, plus strength and conditioning coordinator Jeff Connors, will return for the 2010 season.
"It's important to have continuity on your staff to build relationships not only with the current players but with the high school coaches and future recruits," said Davis. "I'm pleased to have our entire staff intact for next year."
News & Notes
• Carolina is expected to have several national award contenders this year, including Robert Quinn (Lombardi, Hendricks), Marvin Austin (Lombardi), Bruce Carter (Butkus), Quan Sturdivant (Butkus), Kendric Burney (Thorpe), Deunta Williams (Thorpe), Zack Pianalto (Mackey), Greg Little (Bilitnekoff) and Casey Barth (Groza).
• Of North Carolina's five losses last season, three were by a combined total of just six points - Florida State (30-27), NC State (28-27) and Pittsburgh (17-16).
• North Carolina leads the ACC with 13 non-offensive touchdowns over the last two seasons. Cornerback Kendric Burney has three scores and linebackers Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter have two each.
• North Carolina's nine returning defensive starters have 233 career starts. That is the most of any team in the ACC. Defensive back Deunta Williams and Kendric Burney have started every game in their Carolina careers (38).
