Here Comes Carolina: 2008 UNC Football Offensive Preview

Last year saw a running back by committee with Anthony Elzy, Ryan Houston, and Johnny White all seeing significant time at the running back position.  None of them were able to truly establish themselves as THE back, and UNC's disappointing run production of 99.5 yards per game clearly reflects this.

Enter Greg Little.  Butch Davis believes this wide receiver turned running back has what it takes to become the next in a long line of great UNC running backs.  In his two games at the tailback position, Little amassed 243 yards and two touchdowns on a workman's diet of 50 carries.

The kid shows promise, and he's critical to the Heels' success.  They need Little to become the first 1,000-yard rusher since Jonathan Linton in 1997 to take the heat off Yates and keep defenses honest.

Over the offseason Little has grown into a running back body, and he showed flashes of brilliance in the spring scrimmage at Kenan.  His dynamic playmaking ability has transitioned nicely to the running back position.  As a threat to run or catch the ball, Little will be dangerous whenever he is in the backfield.

While last year's leading rusher Johnny White has been moved to defense, both Anthony Elzy and Ryan Houston return to the position.  Both are capable runners who excel between the tackles in short yardage situations and don't shy away from contact.  Another plus for both players is their ability to pass protect and catch the ball out of the backfield.

Don't be surprised if Devon Ramsay, who had some strong showings in the spring, also contributes in relief of Little.  Incoming freshman Jamal Womble may see minutes as well.

Wide Receiver

Stability is the word of the day for Carolina's receiving corps.  218 of UNC's 220 receptions—99 percent—return for the 2008 season.  This unit is, without a doubt, one of the strongest in the league.

Hakeem Nicks is the centerpiece of the group.  The junior seems sure to shatter every career receiving record at UNC.  With two seasons left, he's just over 800 yards shy of breaking Corey Holliday's career mark, and a mere 64 receptions short of Jawarski Pollock's record. 

Nicks has truly grown into an elite receiver in every sense of the word.  Expect his first 1,000-yard season in 2008 after finishing some 42 yards shy in 2007.

Returning to join Nicks is the duo of Brandon Tate and Brooks Foster.  Tate, known primarily for his superb return skills, proved his offensive worth last season, catching five touchdowns and averaging 19.9 yards per catch.  Tate is truly a highlight waiting to happen.

Foster, the elder statesmen of the group, is a great athlete who made big catches in spots for the Heels last year but must increase his production in 2008.

For those close to the program, Bobby Brooks Foster's feats of effortlessly fluid athleticism in the weight room, practice, and scrimmages are common knowledge.  In his final year on the Hill, he must now bring those spectacular plays to Kenan on Saturdays.

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