Junior Kenton Thornton and (R) freshman Rashad Mason, two big bodies at 6'4", 230 and 6'5", 220 respectively, need to become reliable options to help keep drives alive and make big red zone plays.
Tight end Zack Pianalto was the biggest receiving threat out of the three-man rotation of Ed Barham, Pianalto, and Richard Quinn. His 24 receptions were good for fourth on the team. This season the experienced sophomore should see his role increase as John Shoop opens up the playbook and gives Yates more options to exploit defenses.
Offensive Linemen
Along with receiver, the O-Line is the most veteran, experienced unit on the offensive side of the ball. Kyle Jolly, Aaron Stahl, Calvin Darity, Garrett Reynolds, and Lowell Dyer, all with starting experience, return for Butch Davis.
Bryan Bishop, a redshirt senior, steps into the guard spot vacated by Stahl's move to center. Having Jolly next to him should bring the senior up to speed quickly and make the left side of the line quite formidable.
On the right side of the line, Darity and Reynolds look to form a terrific power. Darity has started 24 games in a row, while Reynolds has been playing steadily since his freshman season in 2005 and has started 19 games at right tackle.
These two quality linemen are the the backbone of the offense—two seniors leading by example and showing the hard work and dogged determination required to succeed in the ACC.
While solid and experienced up front, the key will be getting younger linemen like Mike Ingersoll, Alan Pelc, Kevin Bryant, and Carl Gaskins into the rotation. These young players need to get reps to insulate the unit against injury and a severe dropoff.
The projected starters have the size (6'4.5", 302 lbs. on average), talent, and experience to turn the tides on Carolina's rushing woes and keep T.J. Yates' jersey clean in 2008.
If the Heels can get some experience for their young O-linemen, this unit should be a force in the ACC this coming season, as well as the years to come.
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