UNC Receivers Step Up In Place Of Suspended Greg Little

TJ Yates could not have finished with 412 yards passing and three touchdowns against LSU without help from some great receivers.  Missing his favorite target from a year ago, Greg Little, Yates got other guys involved, nearly coming out with a win.

Let's take a look at these receivers and other key pass catchers.

Josh Adams

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Patrick Peterson #7 of the LSU Tigers breaks up a touchdown reception to Joshua Adams #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the final seconds of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia

Josh Adams

Redshirt Freshman from Cambridge, Massachusetts

Made tough catches against Patrick Peterson late in the game

Strong, physical receiver at 6'4" 200 lbs

Started first two games of 2009 before suffering shoulder injury and taking medical redshirt

Erik Highsmith

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Erik Highsmith #88 of the North Carolina Tar Heels against Brandon Taylor #15 of the LSU Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Erik Highsmith

Sophomore from Vanceboro, North Carolina

Scored on a beautiful touch pass from TJ Yates late in the fourth quarter

Started most of the 2009 season, finishing with two touchdowns

Recorded back-to-back games with over 100 yards receiving against ECU and Georgia Tech

Zack Pianalto

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Zack Pianalto #17 of the North Carolina Tar Heels against the LSU Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Zack Pianalto

Senior tight end from Springdale, Arkansas

Caught eight passes for 74 yards against LSU but could not come up with a game-tying touchdown reception on two tries

In 2009 he recorded 33 catches for 334 yards and a touchdown despite missing five games

A sure-handed pass catcher when healthy

Favorite safety valve of QB TJ Yates

Devon Ramsay

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Devon Ramsay #45 of the North Carolina Tar Heels against the LSU Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Devon Ramsay

Junior fullback from Red Bank, New Jersey

Made an athletic play to score against LSU on a play-action pass early in the second quarter

Had a chance to score again but could not hang on to the pass

Emerged as the starting fullback midway through 2009

Known more for his lead blocking ability but very effective receiving out of the backfield

Jhay Boyd

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Jheranie Boyd #87 of the North Carolina Tar Heels goes in for a touchdown that sealed the game against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by S

Jheranie "Jhay" Boyd

Sophomore from Gastonia, North Carolina

Started at wide receiver and kick returner against LSU in place of suspended Greg Little

Finished game against LSU with six catches, 221 receiving yards, and one touchdown for the longest reception in the history of UNC football (97 yards)

His 221 yards were more than he had in all of 2009 (214)

Featured as a deep-threat and occasional runner in the offense last year

As a freshman scored on receptions of 13, 35, 59, and 70 yards

In Place Of Greg Little

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WINSTON SALEM, NC - OCTOBER 27: Wide receiver Greg Little #8 of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC game at the Groves Stadium, on October 27, 2007 in Winston Salem,North Carolina. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

NCAA investigations continue into UNC's football program.  Greg Little and the other 12 players who did not play in the season opener remain doubtful to return.  The team must plan to compete without them.

Though Greg Little is ranked the 4th best receiver on Mel Kiper, Jr.'s Big Board for the 2010 NFL Draft, TJ Yates will have plenty of other options to target.