Devy Team Review: North Carolina Tar Heels

Rob Willette

College football may be on life support, but there’s no rest for the true degenerates in the audience. Whenever college football does return, it will do so with a rejuvenated North Carolina football program. I – like many – was skeptical the hiring of Mack Brown was simply a return to glory days and a public relations move at best. Early returns show this viewpoint was erroneous on both counts.

Brown surrounded himself with a tremendous support staff, and has taken on the role of CEO. It has allowed North Carolina to stockpile high-end recruits as they look to take advantage of the opportunity in a top-heavy ACC. Most importantly for us devy folks, it has made the Tar Heels must-watch television.

QUARTERBACK

Sam Howell, ADP: 45

After saying goodbye to the Seminoles late in the recruiting process, Sam Howell became an immediate starter for North Carolina on his way to a sensational true freshman season. Howell threw for 3,641 yards with an impressive 38/7 TD/INT ratio. It was a season seldom seen from quarterbacks fresh out of high school.

Devy owners paid attention, as Howell is currently the third quarterback off the board per Dynasty League Football Devy ADP. Howell’s burly frame helped him assimilate to a higher level of football, as he needed no time in the weight room to catch up to his peers. Howell uses his frame to effortlessly fling the football all over the gridiron with ease, showcasing next-level arm strength despite not yet being 20 years of age.

Howell’s frame allows him to play a rugged style. He is fearless in the pocket and despite adequate if unspectacular mobility, he can run tough in the open field as extends plays. Howell is a physically gifted passer who will only gain momentum as he matures on the football field with more experience. He is an early front-runner for the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

RUNNING BACK

Michael Carter, ADP: N/A

If there is such a thing as a Michael Carter fan club, I may be the only card-carrying member. It is a bit puzzling as Carter has put together a solid career in Chapel Hill, surpassing 1,000 yards rushing last year and showing plenty of passing game skills, with his lowest output being 11 receptions in his true freshman season. There appears to be reticence Carter can operate as a feature back, though it is mitigated by his non-existent cost at the moment. A slippery runner with receiving chops, Carter could carve out a valuable if somewhat mundane passing game role in the NFL.

Javonte Williams, ADP: N/A

The ideal complement to Carter, Javonte Williams is a feisty runner with a nasty disposition. He takes the fight to the defense, and always leans forward and churns for extra yards. His no-nonsense style endeared him to the Tar Heel coaching staff and pushed the much more ballyhooed Antonio Williams out of the picture. More than just a power back, Williams showcased soft hands in the passing game and became an excellent outlet option for Sam Howell. You see plenty of easy to root for, tenacious runners like Williams fail to carve out a niche at the NFL level, but he has at the very least placed himself on the devy watch list.

WIDE RECEIVER

Dyami Brown, ADP: 34

The gunslinger mentality of Sam Howell and the downfield skills of Brown proved to be a match made in heaven. After light usage in his freshman season, Brown exploded onto the scene as a sophomore, averaging over 20 yards per catch as he caught a dozen touchdowns and eclipsed 1,000 yards. He was one of college football’s true breakout stars.

Brown utilizes a long frame to chew up yardage and is aggressive when the ball is in the air. Howell’s aggressive downfield approach allowed Brown to showcase his high-end body control and willingness to get dirty in traffic. Brown is an imperfect player at this stage of his development but players with his tools and production seldom last long on draft day.

Dazz Newsome, ADP: N/A

The intermediate option in the North Carolina passing game, Newsome is tailor-made for the slot, with elite short-area quickness and body control. His slight yet compact frame allows him to operate in a phone booth, shaking defenders at the line and shimmying into open space after the catch. A former running back, he is a natural at catching the football and immediately becoming a runner, showcasing delicate footwork and an affinity for finding lanes.

Having a prolific passer under center is a massive boon to Newsome, as he figures to post another 1,000-yard season as a senior. With plus athleticism and two highly productive seasons behind him, Newsome could go higher than many expect. While I prefer Brown and his upside, Newsome deserves more hype.

Josh Downs, ADP: N/A

A natural long-term replacement for Newsome, Downs may prove too difficult to keep off the field in year one. Downs set the field ablaze in the Army All-American game, and has the type of athleticism and advanced understanding of the position which could lead to early playing time. While the two ahead of him on the depth chart loom large, Howell has shown he has the ability to support an elite passing game.

Downs thrives underneath, exploding out of his breaks without losing any speed and showcasing reliable hands. It is the skill-set made for a slot receiver, though Downs is more than just a chain-mover. He is a fearless player whose overall athleticism will allow him to win at any level of the field. Downs figures to be a fast riser in the devy community, and his name already garners a great deal of respect.

CONCLUSION

While they’ve seldom been a great or even good team in recent years, this iteration of the Tar Heels is must-see television. They have NFL talent at the skill positions and are particularly deep at receiver. After Clemson, this may be the most enticing devy roster in the ACC.

rob willette