UNC depth chart breakdown - running backs: third back hinges on pass blocking
North Carolina is returning its running back tandem of Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, who finished fifth and seventh, respectively, in the ACC in rushing yards per game last season. Williams fell just 67 yards shy of giving the Tar Heels two 1,000-yard backs. In most seasons, the pair would be enough and the third back on the depth chart wouldn’t garner much attention, but 2020, as it has continually displayed, is no ordinary year.
With COVID-19 concerns added to the potential for injury, that third back could end up being a very important spot for Carolina should he be called into major action. The competition to claim that spot did not end in fall camp, it’ll carry over to the season opener Saturday against Syracuse.
“The good thing is, you know, there’s a room full of talent at the running back position,” UNC offensive coordinator Phil Longo said on a video call. “...It may wind up being who’s No. 3 by situation — better pass catcher, the better blocker, the better runner — it may wind up coming down to, who do we need for that particular situation in the game?”
Sophomore Josh Henderson, junior British Brooks and freshmen D.J. Jones and Elijah Green are all vying for the chance to be that back. Longo said Jones, who was an early enrollee, has generally performed well in practice and they have all had their moments.
UNC coach Mack Brown said what distinguishes them from each other could end up being pass protection. That would tilt things in the direction of Henderson and Brooks, especially considering Brown anticipates a lot of blitzing from Syracuse.
“They know how to block and they know how to pick up blitzes and Jay (Bateman) brings a lot of different people every day in practice,” Brown said on a video call. “The biggest adjustment for young backs is learning how to pick up the blitz, so we’ve still got to work some on their pass protection before we can put them in the games. But the both young backs are talented and we like what we see.”
Who is expected to start?
Carter will start, as he did for 12 games last season, but Williams is essentially like a second starter. Only nine carries and 70 yards separated Carter, who led the team with 1,033 rushing yards, and Williams, who gained 933 yards, last season. All indications are that they will continue to share the carries for Carolina’s running game.
Who are the key reserves?
Saturday’s opener will go a long way to determine who’s really got the upperhand to be the top backup. There’s not much experience behind Carter and Williams. Brooks and Henderson have at least played in games, though their experience primarily has come in the form of special teams contributions. Jones and Green have shown flashes in practice of their potential, but will in translate over to games?
Who might surprise us?
Henderson only had a few chances to put his running style on display last year, but in those flashes, he showed a lot of promise. Henderson rushed for 98 yards against Mercer and had five rushes for 29 yards against N.C. State. From those two games, his only rushing attempts for the season, he averaged 7.1 yards per carry.
What are the group’s strengths?
Not many teams in the nation can boast a 1-2 combination as good as Carter and Williams, who came very close to posting two 1,000-yard rushing seasons last year. The way UNC evenly distributes their carries allowed both running backs to stay fresh during games as opposed to having one workhorse that gets worn down. The same logic can be applied toward the season as the Heels top three backs last season played in every game with the exception of Antonio Williams, who only missed one.
What are the group’s weaknesses?
Maybe they’re not asked to catch the ball out of the backfield enough. Or maybe they’re not asked because they’re not good enough at it. But the Tar Heels’ running backs don’t produce a lot of receptions even going back to the 2018 season under coach Larry Fedora. Carter led the way last season with 21 catches followed by Javonte Williams’ 17. Truthfully, it may not even matter with the depth the Heels have at receiver, but it doesn’t hurt to provide quarterback Sam Howell will another passing option.
This story was originally published September 8, 2020 at 2:24 PM with the headline "UNC depth chart breakdown - running backs: third back hinges on pass blocking."