It’s no secret that the Tar Heel offensive line has taken a significant step back this season and has been one of college football’s worst units overall this season. Combine that with the fact that starting tackle Jordan Tucker has already declared for the NFL Draft and Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan also considering heading to the next level, this unit is in need of a major rebuild. Landing 5✮ OT Zach Rice was a start and on Friday the Tar Heels added a veteran transfer to the room that will also help in that department.
Earlier this afternoon, the Tar Heels announced that former Miami OL Corey Gaynor was officially transferring to Carolina after taking a visit to campus over the weekend. This is a big get for the Tar Heel offensive line, as Gaynor brings with him plenty of starting experience, especially at center, a position that was a big part of the issues this season for the Tar Heels. Gaynor played in 38 games in his time at Miami, starting 28, including 24 straight between 2019 and 2020 at center. In 2020, Gaynor had a simply outstanding season in pass protection, allowing just one sack and nine pressures all season. In 2021, Gaynor started the first three games of the season before going down for the season with a knee injury.
This is a nice addition for the interior of the offensive line and could allow the team to use this year’s starting centers, Brian Anderson and Quiron Johnson who will both be back, at the guard and tackle spots if needed. With Tucker’s departure and the overall struggles of Asim Richards, the team needs to take a serious look at adding an offensive tackle somewhere along the way here.
We will be continuing to monitor the transfer portal and the latest on the recruiting trail throughout the offseason here on the Heel Tough Blog.
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