The Tar Heels are in the middle of their bye week while the college football season hits the midway point. This means it is time for us to hand out our midseason grades, one that won’t be as pretty as the ones we’ve handed out each of the last two years.
Quarterbacks: B-
#12 Jacolby Criswell (Gr.): 379 snaps, 105-187, 1367 yds, 8 TD, 3 INT, 36 rush, 127 yds, 2 TD
#15 Conner Harrell (So.): 109 snaps, 21-37, 282 yds, 2 TD, INT, 15 rush, 39 yds, TD
#14 Max Johnson (Gr.): 51 snaps, 12-19, 71 yds, 0 TD, INT, 6 rush, 10 yds, TD
#13 DJ Mazzone (Fr.): DNP
#16 Ben Bastek (Fr.): DNP
#17 Michael Merdinger (Fr.): DNP
#18 Andres Miyares Jr. (Fr.): DNP
#19 Hudson Wilharm (Fr.): DNP
While things started out really rough at this position, things have settled down in the past few weeks as Criswell has become more comfortable. Protecting him is important, but Criswell has proven that he can lead this offense to plenty of success, especially when he is using his legs. Harrell had his ups and downs in his time as the starter, but is ready to go as the backup if needed. Johnson suffered a broken femur in the season-opening win against Minnesota, but has returned to the sideline to help mentor the other quarterbacks.
Running Backs: A
#28 Omarion Hampton (Jr.): 405 snaps, 155 rush, 901 yds, 7 TD, 23 tar, 20 rec, 135 yds
#21 Davion Gause (Fr.): 87 snaps, 33 rush, 197 yds, 2 TD, 2 tar, 2 rec, 9 yds
# 4 Caleb Hood (Sr.): 38 snaps, 6 rush, 1 yd, 5 tar, 3 rec, 29 yds
#23 Charleston French (So.): 12 snaps, 8 rush, 78 yds, TD, 1 tar, 1 rec, 2 yds
#24 Darwin Barlow (Gr.): 6 snaps, 1 rush, 2 yds, 2 tar, 2 rec, 22 yds
#34 Jordan Louie (RFr.): DNP
As expected, this room has been the best on the team, led by Hampton, who is having an amazing season. He currently leads the country in rush attempts, is fourth in rushing yards and fifth in scrimmage yards. If this team was winning more and he was finding the end zone a slight bit more, he would probably be in the thick of Heisman conversations. Gause has really surprised with his production in his backup role and has proven that the future is bright for the room. Hood has finally been able to stay healthy, but just hasn’t been very efficient when he’s been in there. French has flashed in the garbage time reps that he has gotten, but there may not be any of those the rest of the way. Barlow has only played in two games so far this season because of a lower-body injury, but his return could help to give the team a change-of-pace back down the stretch of the season behind Hampton and Gause.
Wide Receivers: C
# 5 J.J. Jones (Gr.): 459 snaps, 39 tar, 21 rec, 364 yds, 2 TD
# 8 Kobe Paysour (Jr.): 249 snaps, 22 tar, 12 rec, 217 yds
# 7 Christian Hamilton (RFr.): 146 snaps, 8 tar, 5 rec, 145 yds, TD
# 6 Nate McCollum (Sr.): 134 snaps, 20 tar, 15 rec, 164 yds, 4 rush, 49 yds, TD
# 3 Chris Culliver (So.): 88 snaps, 9 tar, 2 rec, 13 yds, 1 rush, -8 yds
# 2 Gavin Blackwell (Jr.): 84 snaps, 6 tar, 4 rec, 43 yds
# 1 Jordan Shipp (Fr.): 70 snaps, 5 tar, 5 rec, 76 yds, TD, 1 rush, -13 yds
#11 Paul Billups II (RFr.): 62 snaps, 3 tar, 1 rec, 10 yds
# 0 Alex Taylor (Fr.): 57 snaps, 3 tar, 1 rec, 15 yds
# 9 Javarius Green (Fr.): 14 snaps, 1 tar, 0 rec, 0 yds
#20 Brooks Miller (Jr.): DNP
#27 Michael Hall (So.): DNP
#30 Luke Osteen (Sr.): DNP
#38 Aiden Cloninger (So.): DNP
#83 Josh Espindola (RFr.): DNP
#84 Cyrus Rogers (Jr.): DNP
#85 Grady Sherrill (So.): DNP
#86 Thomas Flynn (Jr.): DNP
This position of strength for the Tar Heels since Brown’s return has been anything but for most of this season. Jones has had a solid season numbers-wise, but has left some plays on the field with drops and costly penalties. Paysour has started to find his rhythm again with Criswell, leading to more snaps after he started the season a bit slow after rehabbing this offseason after breaking both feet a year ago. Hamilton played almost every snap in the first three games of the year, but has not played since suffering a lower-body injury in the James Madison game. McCollum flashed with a big performance against Pittsburgh, but has been largely invisible most of the year. Culliver has gotten some snaps with Hamiton’s injury, but hasn’t been able to really do anything with them. Blackwell has done a little more extended snaps, but it hasn’t been enough to provide a deep threat that this offense desperately needs. Shipp and Taylor have gotten some decent opportunities as freshmen and may continue to see their role expand if the rest of the group continues to struggles. The same could be true for Billups II, who has played more than he probably expected so far this season. Green has had some occasional snaps, but hasn’t gotten the ball so far. The walk-ons are the only players in this room that haven’t taken a snap this season.
Tight Ends: A-
#81 John Copenhaver (Gr.): 406 snaps, 18 rec, 193 yds, 3 TD
#18 Bryson Nesbit (Sr.): 305 snaps, 48 tar, 24 rec, 264 yds, 3 TD
#19 Jake Johnson (So.): 60 snaps, 1 tar, 1 rec, 7 yds
#89 Cal Tierney (Jr.): 3 snaps
#88 Deems May III (So.): 2 snaps
#16 Ryan Ward (Fr.): 1 snap
#80 Julien Randolph (RFr.): DNP
#82 Timmy Lawson (Fr.): DNP
#87 Cort Halsey (Fr.): DNP
The tight end room has been other big strength of this team alongside the running back room, but they took a big hit against Georgia Tech. Nesbit, who leads the team in targets and receiving touchdowns and is second on the team in receiving yards, is out indefinitely after breaking his wrist last Saturday. Copenhaver has had a very solid season so far and will now have to take on more responsibility over these final five games. Johnson hasn’t played a ton, but that should change this coming Saturday and he has the track record of success to make you feel confident that he will be able to provide help in the passing game. Tierney, May III and Ward have all taken garbage time snaps.
Offensive Line: C-
#53 Willie Lampkin (Sr.): 512 snaps, 85.3 run block, 84.5 pass pro, 83.8 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 5 QB pressures allowed
#78 Trevyon Green (So.): 486 snaps, 72.4 run block, 36.5 pass pro, 59.8 overall, 5.0 sacks allowed, 21 QB pressures allowed
#79 Howard Sampson (So.): 484 snaps, 70.3 run block, 69.4 pass pro, 67.5 overall, 3.0 sacks allowed, 11 QB pressures allowed
#58 Austin Blaske (Gr.): 398 snaps, 65.9 run block, 82.2 pass pro, 71.2 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 2 QB pressures allowed
#68 Aidan Banfield (Fr.): 296 snaps, 64.5 run block, 62.3 pass pro, 63.7 overall, 1.0 sacks allowed, 10 QB pressures allowed
#64 Malik McGowan (Jr.): 229 snaps, 65.0 run block, 74.5 pass pro, 66.2 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 2 QB pressures allowed
#63 Zach Greenberg (Gr.): 134 snaps, 70.6 run block, 81.7 pass pro, 75.9 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 1 QB pressures allowed
#75 Jakiah Leftwich (Jr.): 82 snaps, 55.8 run block, 58.5 pass pro, 57.6 overall, 2.0 sacks allowed, 5 QB pressures allowed
#71 Luke Masterson (Fr.): 28 snaps, 64.7 run block, 85.4 pass pro, 64.3 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 0 QB pressures allowed
#52 Jonathan Adorno (Sr.): 25 snaps, 69.2 run block, 32.6 pass pro, 66.7 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 0 QB pressures allowed
#57 Bo Burkes (So.): 13 snaps, 67.8 run block, 74.4 pass pro, 57.6 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 0 QB pressures allowed
#56 Jani Norwood (Fr.): 8 snaps, 60.7 run block, 47.9 pass pro, 57.6 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 0 QB pressures allowed
#55 Zach Rice (So.): 7 snaps, 72.7 run block, 75.6 pass pro, 64.6 overall, 0.0 sacks allowed, 0 QB pressures allowed
#54 Zack Gluckman (Fr.): DNP
#60 Carter Kulka (Jr.): DNP
#65 Andrew Rosinski (Fr.): DNP
#67 Jason Smith II (Fr.): DNP
#69 Jarvis Hicks Jr. (So.): DNP
#73 Eli Sutton (Jr.): DNP
#74 Desmond Jackson (Fr.): DNP
#77 Hayes Galloway (Fr.): DNP
The Tar Heel offensive line has been an extremely frustrating group so far this season, especially at the tackle spots. Lampkin has been a first team all-conference caliber player so far this season and Blaske hasn’t been that far off of that himself. Both Sampson and Green have had their issues at tackle, with the latter really struggling in the last three games. Banfield has had issues with consistency, but that shouldn’t be shocking considering he is a true freshman and has been fighting through a lower body injury the entire season. McGowan has been solid when filling in for Banfield and Greenberg was tremendous in place of Blaske, meaning the team has legitimate depth on the interior. Leftwich has rotated in a little bit at both tackle spots, but has had issues both as a run blocker and pass protector. Masterson was in for a handful of key snapsast Saturday and could his role grow a little in the second half of the season if continues to perform when he’s out there. The rest of the group that has played has taken most of their snaps in garbage time.
Defensive Line: C-
#10 Des Evans (Gr.): 314 snaps, 25 ttkl, 5.5 TFL, 2.0 scks, 12 total QB pressures
# 5 Jahvaree Ritzie (Gr.): 299 snaps, 23 ttkl, 5.0 TFL, 5.0 scks, 8 total QB pressures
#98 Kevin Hester Jr. (Gr.): 279 snaps, 20 ttkl, 2.0 TFL, 2.0 scks, 7 total QB pressures
# 6 Joshua Harris Sr. (Gr.): 180 snaps, 5 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 3 total QB pressures
#12 Beau Atkinson (So.): 171 snaps, 14 ttkl, 3.0 TFL, 1.0 sck, 9 total QB pressures, 1 tar, 1 rec allowed, 16 yds allowed
# 4 Travis Shaw (Jr.): 168 snaps, 15 ttkl, 1.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 1 total QB pressure
#93 Jacolbe Cowan (Sr.): 165 snaps, 12 ttkl, 1.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 1 total QB pressure, 2 tar, 2 rec allowed, 19 yds allowed
#40 Tyler Thompson (RFr.): 123 snaps, 3 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 3 total QB pressures
# 7 Kaimon Rucker (Gr.): 118 snaps, 8 ttkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sck, 6 total QB pressures, 3 tar, 2 rec allowed, 20 yds allowed
#14 Jaybron Harvey (RFr.): 104 snaps, 10 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 2 total QB pressures
#94 Joel Starlings (RFr.): 18 snaps, 1 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures
#92 Rodney Lora (RFr.): 16 snaps, 2 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 2 total QB pressures
#24 Mali Hamrick (So.): 5 snaps, 1 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures
#91 Leroy Jackson (Fr.): 3 snaps, 1 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures
#33 Curtis Simpson (Fr.): DNP
#51 Peter Pesansky (Fr.): DNP
#95 Daniel Anderson (Fr.): DNP
#96 Damon Bremer (RFr.): DNP
The defensive line started out the season with three very solid games, but has really struggled during the four game losing streak. Rucker being fully healthy for just one game has made a major impact on this room, especially when it pertains to their inability to rush and contain quarterbacks so far this season. Ritzie has gone silent after absolutely dominating the first two games as a pass rusher and Hester’s season has taken a similar path, unfortunately. Evans has been solid in both run defense and pass rush situations, but just hasn’t been as impactful as the team has needed him to be to succeed. Shaw has been the most consistent contributor at defensive tackle, but that consistency is really limited to the run game. Harris Sr. has played a lot, but simply hasn’t made the impact that he needs to, especially in the run game. Atkinson has begun seeing more reps as the season has gone on, but hasn’t had the breakout year that we expected from him. Cowan has flashed in recent weeks, but still lacks consistency just like the rest of the unit. Thompson and Harvey had their moments when they were on the field with Rucker sidelined, but still have work to do for them to become contributors on defense. Everyone else that has played has taken their snaps in garbage time.
Linebackers: C+
#23 Power Echols (Sr.): 461 snaps, 48 ttkl, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sck, 7 total QB pressures, 16 tar, 9 rec allowed, 192 yds allowed, 2 PBUs
#17 Amare Campbell (So.): 440 snaps, 45 ttkl, 6.0 TFL, 3.0 scks, 12 total QB pressures, 14 tar, 10 rec allowed, 94 yds allowed, 4 TD allowed
#30 Michael Short (So.): 29 snaps, 8 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total quarterback pressures, 2 tar, 1 rec allowed, 0 yds allowed
#34 Caleb LaVallee (RFr.): 28 snaps, 2 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 3 tar, 3 rec allowed, 59 yds allowed, 1 TD allowed
#25 Ashton Woods (Fr.): 2 snaps, 0 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total quarterback pressures, 0 tar, 0 rec allowed, 0 yds allowed
#55 Cade Law (So.): 2 snaps, 1 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 0 tar, 0 rec allowed, 0 yds allowed
#32 Evan Bennett (Fr.): DNP
#44 Crews Law (Fr.): DNP
#47 CJ Murphy (So.): DNP
#53 Gibson Macrae (Jr.): DNP
Linebacker has been more of the same in terms of a lack of rotation this season, but hasn’t seen nearly the execution from the starters as they have in years past. Echols has certainly taken steps in coverage, but hasn’t been good enough in run defense as evidenced by the team’s inability to stop opposing rushing games. Campbell did some nice things early in the season, but has been out of position a lot in the run game and has been picked on in coverage in these last four games. Short has had some nice moments when he has gotten some playing time and should be the top rotational option. LaVallee has struggled mightily and has a lot of work to do as a tackler before he can be counted on. Woods and Cade Law both took their snaps in garbage time.
Defensive Back: D
#28 Alijah Huzzie (Gr.): 455 snaps, 20 ttkl, 3.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 1 total QB pressure, 28 tar, 11 rec allowed, 110 yds allowed, 1 TD allowed, 4 PBU
#29 Marcus Allen (Jr.): 449 snaps, 24 ttkl, 1.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 1 total QB pressures, 33 tar, 17 rec allowed, 236 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 2 PBU
#21 Kaleb Cost (So.): 437 snaps, 34 ttkl, 1.5 TFL, 0.5 sck, 3 total QB pressures, 44 tar, 24 rec allowed, 347 yds allowed, 2 TD allowed, 2 INT, 5 PBU
# 2 Jakeen Harris (Gr.): 428 snaps, 45 ttkl, 0.5 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 11 tar, 8 rec allowed, 104 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
# 1 Stick Lane (Sr.): 425 snaps, 45 ttkl, 3.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 3 total QB pressures, 21 tar, 14 rec allowed, 197 yds allowed, 2 TD allowed, 1 PBU
#31 Will Hardy (Jr.): 76 snaps, 9 ttkl, 1.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 2 tar, 2 rec allowed, 41 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
# 9 Tyrane Stewart (Jr.): 53 snaps, 7 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 5 tar, 4 rec allowed, 55 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
#16 DeAndre Boykins (Jr.): 47 snaps, 4 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 2 tar, 1 rec allowed, 30 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 1 PBU
#15 Tre Miller (RFr.): 34 snaps, 2 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 3 tar, 2 rec allowed, 51 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
#11 Ty Adams (RFr.): 17 snaps, 1 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 2 tar, 2 rec allowed, 73 yds allowed, 1 TD allowed, 0 PBU
# 3 Malcolm Ziglar (Fr.): 8 snaps, 2 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 0 tar, 0 rec allowed, 0 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
# 0 Ty White (Fr.): 1 snap, 1 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 0 tar, 0 rec allowed, 0 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
#20 Jalon Thompson (Fr.): 1 snap, 0 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 0 tar, 0 rec allowed, 0 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
#18 Jaiden Patterson (Fr.): 1 snap, 1 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks, 0 total QB pressures, 0 tar, 0 rec allowed, 0 yds allowed, 0 TD allowed, 0 PBU
# 8 Zion Ferguson (Fr.): DNP
#19 Reggie Love II (RFr.): DNP
#26 Khalil Conley (Fr.): DNP
#27 Miles Gaddy (Fr.): DNP
#35 Jaden Selby (So.): DNP
#36 Blaine McClure (Fr.): DNP
#37 Jack Blythe (RFr.): DNP
#39 Major Byrd (So.): DNP
#41 Kenyon McMahon (Fr.): DNP
There’s no way to sugar coat this: this defensive backfield has been awful. Huzzie is the lone bright spot, thriving since his move to the outside. Allen has really struggled with consistency and continued to be hit or miss when it has come to big plays down the field. Cost has been as hit and miss as it gets, leading the team in interceptions and pass breakups while also allowing the most receiving yards and big plays by a large margin. Harris and Lane have played the majority of the snaps at safety and have had major issues with run defense, pass coverage and tackling. Hardy has started seeing more reps as the season has gone along and should see more down the stretch in an effort to figure out if he is part of the problem or a solution at safety. Boykins should be viewed similarly, especially with his known ability to help in the run game when he was at slot corner. Stewart has struggled in the snaps that he has seen this season, as has Miller in the slot. Adams got burnt in the important snaps he played against James Madison and hasn’t been seen since. All of the true freshmen have taken their snaps in garbage time so far.
Special Teams: C+
#34 Caleb LaVallee (RFr.): 115 snaps, 1 punt return, 6 yds, 6.0 avg
#28 Alijah Huzzie (Gr.): 99 snaps, 8 punt returns, 134 yds, 16.8 avg, TD
#96 Tom Maginness (Jr.): 63 snaps, 23 punts, 41.6 avg, 5 inside 20, 3 50+ yards, 0 TB, 2 punts blocked
#62 Spencer Triplett (Gr.): 49 snaps, 1 ttkl
#98 Noah Burnette (Gr.): 31 snaps, 17-17 XP, 11-13 FG, Long of 52, 1 kickoff, 16 yds, 16.0 avg, 0 TB, 1 OB
# 6 Nate McCollum (Sr.): 29 snaps, 12 kick returns, 306 yds, 25.5 avg
#16 Ryan Ward (Fr.): 28 snaps, 1 kick return, 4 yds, 4.0 avg
#37 Liam Boyd (So.): 28 snaps, 7-7 XP, 1-1 FG, Long of 36, 20 kickoffs, 1282 yds, 64.1 avg, 13 TB, 1 OB
#97 Lucas Osada (Fr.): 27 snaps, 26 kickoffs, 1681 yds, 19 TB, 1 OB
# 9 Javarius Green (Fr.): 14 snaps
#61 Grant Mills (Fr.): 14 snaps
The special teams unit is improved as a whole, but there are still areas that are struggling. The punt game is in rough shape with Tom Maginness not giving them much and the punt protection already allowing two blocks so far this season. That’s the big blemish that is dragging this group down because the rest of the group is in good shape. Huzzie is one of the best punt returners in the country and has already found the endzone this season, while Nate McCollum has provided a decent threat at kick returner. Burnette won the team the first game of the season and has been reliable for most of the year and kickoffs have been handled well by both Liam Boyd and Lucas Osada. Even long snapper has a spot where the team has succeeded while having to substitute a backup due to injury.
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