SAKERLINA GAME WEEK: #UNC Front Seven Preview

Now that we've covered the Offensive Line, it's time to focus on Carolina other most important position groups of 2015: The Front Seven. Easily one of the biggest factors in last year's deplorable defensive was the inability to control the line of scrimmage. Gene Chizik, John Papuchis, and Tray Scott have had their work cut out for them since setting foot on campus earlier this year. They've had to mold an out of touch and out of place position group, by teaching them basic technique, encouraging aggressiveness and simplifying assignments. Gap Control is the name of the game this season in Chapel Hill and let's look at the two men most responsible for setting the tone for this group.

Coaches

Gene Chizik - Defensive Coordinator
Chizik, in his first season in Chapel Hill, comes to Carolina as one of the most decorated defensive coordinators in the country. Winning National Championships both as a Head Coach (thanks to Cam Newton) and as Defensive Coordinator for Texas (and an undefeated season at Auburn). He and his defensive staff have ta mountain to climb this year and they try to re-vamp one of the statistically worst defenses in the country a year ago. His base 4-3, with over and under fronts, focuses on gap control and aggressiveness. His system simplifies the zone front had implemented in town the last few years. Expect to see a similar defensive strategy that we saw under the Davis/Withers administration:

• Lots of Man to Man coverage with two high safeties
• a Defensive Line that causes havoc, desires line of scrimmage control and prevents second level blocking
• play-making linebackers
• No more hybrid positions rather than read and decide
• read and react
• fewer zone blitzes
• better technique and hopefully surer tackling

Tray Scott -  Defensive Line Coach

Scott, in his first season at Chapel Hill, is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks. He gained notoriety at Ole Miss and at Arkansas State as part of Hugh Freeze's staff. His lines put up very aggressive numbers, often leading the conference in sacks and tackles for loss. His work on the recruiting trail is one to right home about as he was part of the team that produced Ole Miss' best recruiting class in school history (2013). Tray Scott is never shy to move guys around to develop versatility and increase competition which has resulted in surprising two deep on the D Line heading in 2015.

John Papuchis - Linebackers Coach
Papuchis has spent many of his years around big time college football. Hailing from tenures at both LSU and Nebraska, he's spent many years with one of the sharpest defensive minds in the game. He served as the defensive line coach, special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator at various points under Les Miles at LSU and Bo Pelini at Nebraska. Papuchis hopes to return linebacker play to what Carolina fans became accustomed to at the end of the previous decade.

Nose Tackle
Powell and Clarke's battle for Nose Tackle has been relentless this off-season as both players have pushed each other to get better. Clarke took advantage of injury attrition this past spring and never looked back on the depth chart. Carolina's defensive line got abused on the interior this past year. It's imperative that the Nose Tackle and Three Technique units have vastly improved over a somewhat dreadful 2014.

1. Jeremiah Clarke (#49) 6-5 315 Redshirt Freshman - The highly touted Redshirt Freshman from Alexandria Virginia has burst on the scene in his first year on the active roster. Clarke has the most upside of any of the interior defensive linemen. "Fat Melo" should be a force on the ACC interior for the next few years. Clarke moves very, very well for a man of his size.
2. Tyler Powell (#95) 6-4 290 lbs Sophomore - Despite getting thrown into the wolves, Powell put together a decent season as a true freshman in 2014. Possesses a tremendous motor and should continue to improve as he gains experience. Powell will be relied on heavily for quality depth.  
3. Aaron Crawford (#92) 6-1 310 lbs True Freshman Since arriving on campus in June, Crawford has made a name for himself. Not only is is he helping the interior of the defense with depth, but also Crawford has been competing for playing time as the nose guard in passing situations. A noted workout warrior, expect Crawford to see playing time this fall.

Defensive Tackle (Three Technique)
The other interior position on the interior defensive line looks to take a big step forward in 2015 from where it was in 2014. With two players returning with loads of game experience, look for improved production on the outside shades of the guards.

1. Nazair Jones (#90) 6-5 295 Redshirt Sophomore - Arguably Carolina's best pass rusher on the interior, Nazair Jones is the player I'm always watching the most. Jones must improve his every down play in his second year, as he often looked a bit lost following long developing plays this past year. Jones is a naturally gifted athlete who has every tool needed to be a stand out player in the conference. He's just too talented to not have a break out year. 
2. Justin Thomason (#98) 6-4 295 lbs Senior - Thomason feels like he's been in Chapel Hill forever. Started every game this past season at tackle and will provide excellent depth and versatlity as he's played both interior DL positions.
3. Robert Dinkins (#93) 6-1 270 lbs Redshirt Freshman - The undersized 3 technique from Charlotte's Olympic high school makes up for his size with a great first step. He'll be relied upon for depth in 2015 and expect to see him in the occasional pass rushing situation.

Defensive End
Gene Chizik's shift back to a more traditional 4-3 allowed the defensive line to re-establish itself with two traditional defensive end. This  change from the rush end and hybrid "Bandit" position should pay dividends as Carolina never had the personnel for the previous system. Like Defensive Tackle, competition for D End has been exciting since winter workouts. It seemed like a different player took  first team reps every other practice. As Fall Camp carried on, some new leaders emerged, players bounced back and forth to both defensive end positions, and the D End postion grew deeper and more versatile.

Strongside 

1. Junior Gnonkonde (#44) 6-4 260 lbs Redshirt Junior - Junior Gnonkonde continues to dazzle in Chapel Hill. Gnonkonde is experienced at both defensive end positions and is Carolina's best pass rushing option on the roster. Despite his size, Junior can flat out run. His football career is still very young as he's still only in his 5th year of playing competitive ball. Gnonkonde is poised for a breakout year.
2. Jessie Rogers (#43) 6-4 270 lbs Senior - Jessie Rodgers was easily one of the most productive players on the defensive line leading the team in tackles for loss since having roughly 50 percent of the snaps to the other returning defensive linemen. Has the versatility to play the defensive tackle position as well.
3. Jalen Dalton (#97) 6-6 280 lbs Freshman -Dalton will likely Redshirt this year after coming to Carolina as one of the most desired defensive line prospects in the country this past year. Dalton, who's grown almost 40 lbs since leaving high school last winter, is still learning how play with his added size. Despite many folks thinking he would be an impact player when he arrived on campus, it didn't surprise me to see the coaching staff consider a Redshirt year for the new guy. The redshirt year did work wonders for Jeremiah Clarke who transitioned from playing mostly defensive end in high school to playing the most interior position on the defense.

Weakside

1. Mikey Bart (#45) 6-3 270 lbs Junior - Bart is a tough, tenacious high motored defensive end who unfortunately played out of position his first two years at Chapel Hill at Bandit. Tray Scott has praised this kid's motor each and every practice. He's the kind of kid who leaves it all on the field. I was very surprised to see him get nod over Drennon who was the returning starter. Let's hope Bart has a break out year.
2. Dajuan Drennon (#17) 6-4 255 lbs Redshirt Sophomore - It's not very often a returning starter gets beat, especially one who performed a solidly as Drennon did his Freshman year. Tray Scott has spoken volumes that there were no guaranteed spots on the defensive line. With Drennon currently listed at number two, it does give Carolina a sense of solid depth at Weakside defensive end.
3. Malik Carney (#53) 6-3 230 lbs Redshirt Freshman - Carney spent this past year as a Redshirt and will be getting his first bit of college action in 2015. He's still a bit undersized for where Chizik wants to see his defensive ends but expect him to get some snaps on mop up duty.

Sam Linebacker
Will Linebacker was arguably Carolina's most watched position battle on defensive as Spring Ball and Fall Camp rolled on. After Cayson Collins fantastic second half of the 2014 season it was expected that he was a lock for the Sam Linebacker position. As today stands, that's not the case...

1. Joe Jackson (#32) 6-2 225 lbs Redshirt Junior - The main reason that we don't see Collins' name at first on the depth chart, is because Joe Jackson has been a MAN in camp. He was officially named the starter about a dozen days ago. His development has been slated as one who took advantage of the clean slate mentality this defensive coaching staff has shown. He's been a fierce competitor from everywhere from the weight room, the film room to the practice field. 
2. Cayson Collins (#23) 6-1 235 lbs Sophomore - It's not all doom and gloom that Collins is slotted as back up at Will Linebacker. In fact it's a tremendous advantage that Carolina has the depth they absolutely need at WLB. With backside gap responsibility having a duo that can rotate in and out can lend a big role in backside 
3. Ayden Bonilla (#24) 6-2 220 lbs Redshirt Freshman - Bonilla spent his Redshirt season learning the ropes at strong safety and the hybrid "Ram" position. The new coaching staff believes his time will better served as weak side linebacker. expect to see most of snaps to come on special teams.

Mike (Middle) Linebacker

Of Note: Nate Staub retired from competitive football this past spring because of lingering injury problems. I was very high on Staub the past couple of years and was excited to see what he would be able to do in a more traditional Linebacker role in this system. His loss hurts but I can't blame a guy for hanging up the cleats when it's time. There's no smarter decision to make when you're told that your long term health could be affected and decide to hang up the cleats (I had to make the same decision).

1. Jeff Schoettmer (#10) 6-2 235 lbs 5th Year Senior - The heart and soul of the carolina defense for the second consecutive year. It's rare to find a player who's made as much improvement over the course of two years as Jeff Schoettmer has. He looked lost in 2012, began to find himself in 2013, became a team leader in 2014, and is poised for a monster senior year. Has played all over the field from safety to will backer to mike backer. He's the kinda guy you want to share a foxhole with.
2. Andre Smith (#56) 6-0 235 lbs True Freshman - Smith has done nothing but impress since arriving on campus. The coaches are very high on his upside. Expect to have a solid True Freshman campaign.
3. Dan Mastromatteo 6-2 235 lbs Redshirt Junior - Dan M has struggled to break the two deep since getting to Carolina. Hopefully with him playing a more traditional linebacker role he'll be able to get some PT on defense. He's been excellent of special teams and the hope is it translates to every down.

Will  Linebacker
**** 9/1/2015 In an artcile released by Inside Carolina was confirmed the Shakeel Rashad is in fact starting at Will Linebacker instead of the Sam Linebacker that was previously mentioned. This system uses a bit larger Will Backer and the Will lines up in the open B Gap while the Sam is generally covered up in the over and under fronts.

1. Shakeel Rashad (#42) 6-2 235 5th Year Senior - After playing out of position for the past couple of years, Rashad has slimmed down to play his more natural fit of Strongside Linebacker. Rashad is an elite athlete with a world of potential. Here's to the hope that this kid, who's had his time in Chapel Hill hindered due to injuries, makes the most of his last hurrah in Chapel Hill.
2. Cole Holcomb (#34) 6-1 215 lbs Sophomore - One of the biggest talking points of the off-season has been the progress walk on Cole Holcomb has made over the last calendar year. His presence has been a big surprise. A very instinctual player who plays bigger than his body are always words you love reading about a linebacker.
3. Jonathan Sutton (#54) 6-0 230 True Freshman - There's still a chance that Sutton ends up redshirting but no one should be surprised if he ends up taking snaps in 2015, especially on special teams. Sutton is the Strongside Linebacker of the future for Carolina and the coaching staff is very high on his potential in this system.

If Carolina wants to get its defense separated from the last couple of years respective disasters, this team must start with changing the culture in the front seven. Carolina must play more aggressive, violent and take their game to the opposing offense rather than letting the offense come to them. Expect to see lots of rotation along the defensive line as the defensive coaching staff seeks to keep all bodies fresh during the game for the course of the season. The D Line must fight to prevent opposing blockers from getting to the second and third levels, which allows the linebackers to flow from sideline to side line and make plays. We are three days from kickoff y'all. It's incredible how close we are.

WFP

SAKERLINA WEEK: #UNC 2015 O Line Preview

If you're familiar with my constant harping on the importance of Offensive Line play, the theme and tone of the below script should come as no surprise. For a third straight season Carolina's Offensive Line has the opportunity to either be biggest improvement or the biggest dissapointment for the 2015 offensive unit. Going into camp I was very high on what O Line Coach Chris Kaplovic was building in Chapel Hill. We we're beginning to see the veteran leadership take over and the influx of previously highly ranked prospects begin to finally develop and start to click. However, as Fall Camp has progressed, injuries and attrition have derailed the unit's supposed promise for 2015. What assumed to be the best offensive line since the dominant 2012 group, the 2015 is starting to shift away from benefiting the offense to hindering it. Let's take a look at the man chiefly responsible for keeping this unit together and on the up and up:

Chris Kapilovic - Associate Head Coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach
Coach Kap has had his work cut out for him during 4th season in Chapel Hill. As the run game coordinator he's responsible for making sure the men in the trenches carve holes through the front seven. That task is much easier said than done, as Carolina's struggled to establish a consistent run game over the last couple of seasons. He's never been shy to experiment with line ups and shifting players to different positions to find the most co-cohesive unit. An example of this is Carolina's had 7 different players take first team reps as the center this fall.

The Two Deep

Left Tackle
Left Tackle was a position of frsustration for 2014 with no true leader emerging from the position left behind by 4 year starter and current NFLer James Hurst. Part of the consistency issues in 2014 came solely from an inability to have the blind side locked up. But there's hope for 2015

1. Bentley Spain (#75) 6-6 300 lbs Sophomore - Emerging as the starter in Spring Ball, Bentley Spain gives the Carolina faithful hope for the next few years at left tackle. A highly touted recruit from your truly's Alama Mater, THE Providence High School, Spain not only has the athleticism needed to play the tackle position, but also has the nastiness to play in the interior. Spain's potential finally began to show during the healthiest stretch he's had in some time. If this guy can anchor the line, the tackle position shouldn't the concern it was last year.
2. William Sweet (#51) 6-7 300 lbs True Freshman -Spain's backup is no slouch either. Sweet has burst onto campus a big way since showing up undersized in January. Sweet's made the most of the strength and conditioning program and expect this kid to be a factor in the years going forward.

Left Guard
Going into 2015 I was convinced that the Left Guard position would be chiefly in the hands of Jared Cohen. The prediction will not come true this season as Cohen has left the program for personal reasons. While the coaching staff is optimistic for a return in 2016, this left the Left Guard a bit thinner than anticipated.

1. Caleb Peterson (#70) 6-5 300 lbs Redshirt Junior - Caleb Peterson is a two year returning starter who played much of the 2014 season, at least how it looked on film, lost. Whether he suffered from injuries or lack of agression and head games, I couldn't quite figure out where the drop off from year one to year two came. Coach Kap has stressed that Caleb is back to playing his game, which is a good thing because the Tar Heels need his best in 2015.
2. John Ferranto (#77) 6-6 300 lbs Redshirt Junior - Ferranto finds himself at a new position in 2015 after starting at Left Tackle for all of 2014. His versatility has been spoken well about from the UNC Coaching Staff. Ferranto has experience at both guard and tackle positions and should serve as Carolina's Utility Linemen. 

Center
Center looked to be one of the bright spots on Carolina's offensive line heading into fall ball with 2 year returning and All ACC caliber Center Lucas Crowley.

1. Lucas Crowley (#68) 6-3 290 lbs Junior - Unfortunately Fall Ball has not been kind to the returning starter. Crowley's been out since the first week with a nagging ankle injury. The Coaching staff is still going through Game Week prep as if Crowley is the starter. Crowley's health, is the most important piece of this offensive line, even more so than Landon Truner.
2. Tommy Hatton (#52) 6-3 285 lbs True Freshman - Hatton comes to UNC as one of the top OL prospects in the country. The coaches, and this writer, believe he has all of the tools to be one of the best Linemen in the conference before he moves on.

Right Guard
Carolina's starting right Guard has most of the national and ACC Media's attention and it's easy to see why.

1. Landon Turner (#78) 6-4 325 lbs 5th Year Senior - Easily the most decorated of the Carolina Linemen during the pre-season, Turner made about every watch list and Pre Season All American squad that is out there. When Turner is fully engaged and in tune, he's a human wrecking ball. Expect Carolina to run many a dive play off of Landon Turner's outside hip.
2. Brad Henson (#73) 6-5 290 lbs Redshirt Soph - Henson's another one of Carolina's versatile Utility Linemen who has experience at both guard sports and at center. He's been a tad banged up this Fall Camp but expect him to be ready to contribute this season.

Right Tackle
Despite having a returning starter at Right Tackle, I feel much more comfortable with the position Carolina sits at the opposite tackle

1. Jon Heck (#71) 6-7 300 lbs Red Shirt Junior - Sure Heck has the NFL Pedigree (Dad Played in the pros for over a decade). the size and the tools to be a successful college tackle, but he just doesn't see to have "It." He (and Ferranto for that matter) were easily my most critiqued players on the offensive line last year as both of them failed to show the lateral moved needed to play against the ACC Defensive Ends. Word throughout camp has been how much this player has improved. I am prepared to be amazed.
2. RJ Prince (#76) 6-6 325 lbs Redshirt Sophomore - Prince bounced around the depth chart a bit, with getting work in the Defensive Tackle Spot this spring, but has since moved back to his natural position of offensive tackle due to depth concerns. Was thrown into the trenches last year and played a bit lost. Expect most of his PT to come on special teams this year. 

Others

• As mentioned my initial projected starter at LG, Jared Cohen, is currently back home in Maryland for personal reasons. It's unclear whether or not Cohen will make it back to Chapel Hill. The hope is he's back for Spring Ball in 2016. Best of luck to the young man as he sorts some things out.
• Will Dancy  has been sidelined for the year leaving Carolina one less vital backup

As I've said time and time again, the success of the offensive depends on the men up front. The hope is Carolina can stay healthy and develop continuity so Marquise, the Backs and the Receivers can have a field day in 2015.

Defense is up next. 6 days y'all. 

WFP

#UNC 2015 Receivers Preview

Now that we've covered UNC"s Backfield fixtures time to cover the pretty boys of the offense: The Receivers and Tight Ends

In Fedora and Littrell's Spread, Carolina seeks to get the ball to these players quickly in space with the hope, through scheme and play design, creating mismatches and generating big plays. At the Wide Receiver positions Carolina may have as much proven talent as anyone in the conference. Tight End, however, is a completely different story.

Let's take a gander at the guys leading these young men

Position Coaches

Gunter Brewer - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach

• Brewer is currently in his 4th year in Chapel Hill and 9th overall in this role, including a prior stop with Fedora at Oklahoma State 
• Brewer is one of Carolina's top recruiters with Charlotte as his main region of focus
• Often described as a player's coach, and has groomed the likes of Dez Bryant, Randy Moss and Justin Blackmon
• Simply put, Brewer is one of the best in the business at his craft

Seth Littrell - Assistant Head Coach for Offense/Tight Ends Coach

• Second year in Chapel Hill in this role
• Formerly the Indiana OC where they put up big offensive numbers
• Has his work cut out for him as he coaches several unproven Tight End prospects for the 2015 season

Wide Receivers

A Backs

The position that was essentially designed for the Wes Welker's of the world, the A Back is a quasi-slot receiver, quasi running back quasi flanker that is often best thrown to in space where the player has the opportunity to make a splash play. Expect to see a large chunk of the offensive targets to go in the direction of the VERY deep 

1. Ryan Switzer (#3) 5-10 185 lbs Junior - Switzer had a decent Sophomore campaign leading the Tar Heels in Targets, receptions and receiving yardage. However, Switzer's production on offense was masked by his dissapointing season in special teams. RS admitted during Fall Camp that he was trying to do too much with each touch last year rather if it was on offense or defense. Hopefully, a more focused and hungry Junior can't get back to providing the splash plays he showed as a Freshman.
2. Austin Proehl (#7) 5-10 185 lbs Sophomore - Austin Proehl, a fellow product of the GREAT PROVIDENCE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PROGRAM (#crib) should be poised for a much larger role his second year in the program. Proehl should get much more PT in year two as the coaching staff tries to give RS a breather.
3. TJ Logan (#8) 5-10 190 lbs Junior - As I mentioned in last year's receivers preview, Logan will be getting run at A Back for another year. Expect to see him in the slot often if Elijah Hood takes over at running back.

**** Romar Morris has been working with the 2s at A Back in fall camp 

Flanker 

Flanker AKA the Z receiver is often known as the straight burner position within the receiving corps. Carolina is very top heavy at the position with the proven experience residing with Mack Hollins. 

1. Mack Hollins (#13) 6-4 210 lbs Redshirt Junior - Hollins became one of the ACC breakout stars of 2014 between his big play making ability and underrated speed. Mack will be looking to capitalize in 2015 behind his relentless work ethic and tenacity during this off season. Often described as one of the most fearless and hardest working individuals on the team, Mack Hollins is the guy who you want in your fox hole. 
2. Damien Washington (#35) 6-1 195 lbs Senior - Washington's main role comes on special teams. He'll serve as the main back up to Mack Hollins during his final season in  Chapel Hill. Expect most of his PT to come in the special teams role.
3. Josh Cabrera (#18) 6-3 205 Redshirt Freshman - Cabrera has the opportunity to make moves in his first season of varsity play. 
4. Devin Perry (#85) 6-2 205 Redshirt Freshman - Much like Josh Cabrera, Perry has the opportunity ti make the most of his time during the limited time he'll see this fall.

Split End 

Split End lines up opposite of the tight end and usually on the line of scrimmage. These players are usually more phycially imposing players than their counter parts, flankers.

1. Quinshad Davis (#14) 6-4 220 Senior - Quinshad Davis, one of the most decorated receivers in UNC history, comes off  off-season surgeries to repair stress fractures in both legs. He's finally back to full speed in fall camp. He's become more of  vocal leader in his final year at Chapel Hill. He attributes his sound mind his this year to his injury that knocked him out of the winter and spring, telling Inside Carolina "every day is a blessing ..., that could have been the end of my career."
2. Jonathan "Bug" Howard (#84) 6-5 215 Junior - Arguably the most athletic member of the receiving corps, Howard looks to build on his successful sophomore campaign. This kid is Carolina's biggest red zone threat and is a match up nightmare for every DB in the conference. 
3. Jordan Fielleteau (#88) 6-3 210 RS Soph - Quinshad Davis believes Filleteau is poised to have a breakout season his third year in Chapel Hill. The local product from Durham has yet to make a splash on campus since arriving as a highly touted recruit.
4. Dalton Stogner (#89) 6-4 200 lbs Junior - Stogner is a player that every coach wishes they had. Tremendous student, fierce competitor who is all over the field on special teams.

Tight Ends

1. Kendrick Singleton (#81) 6-2 215 lbs Senior - Singleton has played out of position for much of his time in Chapel Hill, but finally found some staying power at Tight End this past season. An excellent blocker, "Bull" Singleton is the guy you want on the edge with pads on pads in the run game
2. Brandon Fitts (#82) 6-4 245 lbs Redshirt Frosh - Fitts will be Carolina's traditional tight end, as he's the one most naturally geared for the position. He should give Marquise a big target, even in his first year. 
3. Caleb Samuel (#83) 6-5 275 lbs Redshirt Frosh - Samuel was sick for most of the spring so his transition to offensive line became incomplete as he lost of most of the weight he had put on during his transition. Should be excellent option at the goal line.
4. Carl Tucker (#86) 6-2 240 lbs Freshman - Likely red-shirting

This group of receivers has the opportunity to be the best since Fedora set foot on campus. Judging that a threat in the seams in the form of a big bodied tight end emerges, the perimeter could really open up for the likes of Switzer, Bug, Quinshad and Mack.

The Offensive Line ins up next.

2015 UNC Backfield Preview

It's hard to believe that we're three weeks away from the Opening Game against Sakerlina. To prime everyone for the 2015 Campaign let's take a look at one of Carolina's biggest strengths: The talent and experience in the Offensive Backfield

Backfield Coaches

Carolina's Backfield is fortunate to have some of the best in the business 

Keith Heckendorf - QBs Coach and Recruiting Coordinator

•  5^th year in Chapel Hill and second season in this role
•  Coached the likes of Renner and Quise Williams and has helped both QBs re-write the record book at UNC 

Larry Porter – RBs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator

• 2^nd year in Chapel Hill 
• Former Running Backs coach at LSU and OK State including a National  Recruiter of the Year
• Implemented the running back by committee method at LSU and groomed many future pros including Jacob Hester, Joseph Addai, Tatum Bell and Trindon Holliday
• Porter's biggest splash at Carolina has been on the recruiting end so far.

Quarterbacks

QB 1 Marquise Williams (#12) 6-2 225 lbs 5^th Year Senior

• Marquise has the opportunity to re-write the record book in his final season in Chapel Hill
• After playing hurt for all of 2014 Quise used the off-season to get his hip repaired and to get mentally and physical ready for his most important campaign yet
• Marquise has done a complete 180 since arriving on campus. For a while many wondered if he’d ever come back to play, how he’d handle the competition, and how his body would hold up
• Marquise is an ACC player of the year type talent must have a big year to propel the Heels to the next level
• I must Marquise for discrediting this guy last year. I was convinced that Trubisky was going to end up winning the job in 

QB 2 Mitch Trubisky (#10) 6-3 220 lbs RS Soph

• Trubisky pushed Marquise for the first half of the 2014 campaign only for the coaching staff to side with Quise for the second half of the year
• He received the overwhelming majority of first string reps in 2015 Spring Ball with Marquise sidelined
• Coaches are very optimistic about his future and are comfortable with his ability to perform when called upon

QB 3 Caleb Henderson (#6) 6-3 215 lbs RS Frosh

• The coaches are optimistic about the Redshirt Freshman from Virginia. Henderson has a big arm and made the most of his second string snaps this past spring
• Don't expect to see much of this guy unless in mop up time

Anthony Ratliff Williams (#17) 6-1 200 lbs Redshirting
Nathan Elliot (#4) 6-1 195 lbs Redshirting

• Both Ratliff-Williams and Elliot are slated to redshirt during the 2015 campaign. ARW could very well end up moving to a different position because of how much of a freak athlete the kid is.

Running Backs

1st Teamers: Elijah Hood (#34) 6-0 220 lbs Soph. 

                     TJ Logan (#8) 5-9 190 lbs Junior

• Elijah Hood and TJ Logan will be getting the majority of snaps at Running Back during 2015
• Logan and Hood both have the ability to run in between the tackles and to hit the next gear and break a long run
• Hood, for a second straight season will be looked as Carolina's Punisher in the run game behind his hulking frame.
• Hood excels as a pass blocker and will be heavily relied up on in that domain
• Logan's ability to evade tacklers will be on full display as he looks to have a bounce back year in 2015
• Expect TJ Logan to get some snaps in at A Back as the coaches try to take some pressure off of Ryan Switzer at the position
• Logan adds the Kick Return element where he's excelled. Logan's a threat to score from the backfield, split out wide and returning kicks
• Hood is a "Man on a Mission" in 2015. His relentless work ethic plus his drive to go as hard as he can each and every down whether it's practice or a game should serve Carolina 10 fold in 2015. I expect Hood to have a HUGE year, because he doesn't appear to be satisfied with how last season went.

2nd Teamers Romar Morris (#21) 5-10 190 5^th year Senior 

                      Ty’Son Williams (#9) 6-0 225 lbs True Freshman 

• Morris has been a straight burner since setting foot on campus. Expect Coaches try to stretch the field when Morris is in. I've often referred to him as the Curious Case of Romar Morris as he shown several flashes of brilliance at Carolina but has been highly inconsistent on and off the field 
• Ty'Son Williams has made some noise in camp with his unique combination of size and speed If Logan ends sees more time at A Back than expected, Williams will be looked to help carry the load with Hood 

3rd Teamers Khris Francis (#1) 5-9 210 lbs 
                     Charles Brunson (#27) 5-11 205 lbs

• The hope is Khris Francis bounces back from blowing out his knee late in 2014. He was effective in 2013 and is consistent when relied upon
• Walk-On Charles Brunson has had his moments when called upon including the winning score against Pitt. He will heavily relied upon as a special teams stud

What to Expect:

Much of this group's production relies heavily on the success of the offensive line. The Quarterbacks have been preached that they must do a better job of taking care of the ball this year and must limit mistakes. Getting the ball out of the backfield quicker has to the mind set of this entire group as well as stretching the defense out. The Running Back by Committee method can executed well but this coaching staff must recognize when to go with the hot hand. If Marquise and the stable of backs behind him can stay healthy and hungry, and the offensive line develops some cohesiveness, expect big numbers out of the backfield this season. 

Back And Better Than Ever

Back and better than ever, and I must say it’s been far, far too long. The last several months have brought some serious changes for yours truly. When we last interfaced I was still a stressed-out, highly underpaid aspiring real estate entrepreneur who was going through what most would consider a quarter life crisis. I rarely slept, I wasn’t eating well, I was worried about my finances, and I wasn’t sure what my next steps in my journey were living, working and being. I needed a change and I needed to change immediately. 

Close to 4 months later from that crossroads I’d love tell y’all I’ve figured it all out; but I haven’t. I have, however, made some serious improvements since turning the ripe age of 26. I've traveled and decompressed. I've switched jobs. I (can now) save money and invest. I'm sleeping again. I'm eating healthier (still can improve) and workout out more (although not nearly enough). It's a start but the 180 I’ve made over the past 4 months has been one of the most beneficial I’ve made in quite some time.

This switch has given me ample time to take a seat back and reflect. What are my goals? Where do I want to be one year from now? What do I want to devote my time, energy and money to?

I came up with a short list

-          1. Get my work-life balance in order

-          2. Become a force at my new job

-          3. Get to my football shape and playing weight

-          4. Save, invest, and save some more

-          5. Rediscover my reality escapes (cooking, reading, writing, hiking, etc)

All 5 bullets are my goals for the foreseeable future. In order to keep my ass in check I’ll be using my writing escape to give y’all weekly updates in addition to the college football insight and humor I try to bring. Another way to follow along is through my Twitter  and myFitbit  profiles. It’s new era in my life and on this blog. I hope y’all are as excited about as I am.

Cheers,

WFP