Andy Staples mail - on UNC and Mack

[WoadBlue]

It is titled Who Will be the Next First-Time College Football Playoff Team? But that is just the first question. The 3rd is: What is a realistic expectation for Mack Brown at North Carolina this season?

Staples says: "The Tar Heels went 5–18 in those two seasons, but they probably have a better roster than that record indicates."

I say that is an understatement. We definitely had considerably more talent than 5 Ws over 2 years.

Then Staples says: "Brown and offensive coordinator Phil Longo will have to pick a quarterback. Senior Nathan Elliott, junior Chazz Surratt and redshirt freshman Cade Fortin have experience. Meanwhile, true freshman Sam Howell is this staff’s first marquee recruit."

Did you catch whom he left out? Jace Ruder. Is that Staples not knowing, or is something up with Ruder that I do not know about?

It is a short answer to a question, but Staples, who played DE, should have mentioned UNC's woes on D and our new DC and what Jay Bateman brings to the table.

 

[uncboy10]

Ruder not being mentioned was probably just an oversight. I'm not sure why Fortin gets so much more attention, Ruder looked more impressive IMO.

 

[WoadBlue]

Ruder not being mentioned was probably just an oversight. I'm not sure why Fortin gets so much more attention, Ruder looked more impressive IMO.

I think it is the pure passing game stuff. Fortin lost his SR year in HS to injury, which put him behind where he should have been. Even so, he was anything but a deer with headlights in his eyes when he got to play.

I see both Fortin and Ruder as possessed of excellent potential. Just like Howell. All 3 could become starting QBs able to lead a team into a Top 10 ranking.

 

[WoadBlue]

More SI - from the Staff

Which teams will go from the basement to bowl eligibility in 2019

 

[uncboy10]

I think it is the pure passing game stuff. Fortin lost his SR year in HS to injury, which put him behind where he should have been. Even so, he was anything but a deer with headlights in his eyes when he got to play.

I see both Fortin and Ruder as possessed of excellent potential. Just like Howell. All 3 could become starting QBs able to lead a team into a Top 10 ranking.

They're all talented. I didn't mean to sound like I was disparaging Cade, I'm glad he's with us. I just personally was more impressed by Ruder. It will be interesting to see how prepared Howell is by the spring. If he isn't ready to start on day 1, then the staff may consider a red shirt to save that year of eligibility for when Mack really gets this train rolling in 3 or 4 years.

 

[Archer2]

Having so many talented QB’s is a great problem to have. It will sort itself out.

 

[WoadBlue]

Having so many talented QB’s is a great problem to have. It will sort itself out.

What is unpleasant is that we can expect 2 of them to not finish their careers at UNC. In this age, QBs with potential, or just hype, are out the door if they can't see a way to start for a couple of years.

 

[illinihorn]

Redshirts will go the way of typewriters

 

[WoadBlue]

Redshirts will go the way of typewriters

That's what I have said for about 5 years. There will be redshirts used for injuries and for development of players who are need the extra year just to hope to make the 2-deep by Year 4 or 5. But most guys who have any chance to make an impact within 2 years will play from day 1. More and more players will leave after 3 years, and virtually none who are likely to make an NFL roster will stay longer than 4 years.

 

[blazers]

I think early enrollment will make for less redshirting too. Khadry Jackson enrolled last month as 6'2 200 pound hybrid-linebacker who looks skinny. But a single spring could put fifteen pounds on him.

But not all 18 yr olds are built alike, and not all have played high-level fball. There are still 18 yr olds who just aren't ready physically, that need the extra yr.

Malik Carney is headed to the nfl combine and was one of the better edge players in the acc. He redshirted. I think he was 215 or 220 when he enrolled, and just didn't develop all that quickly.

Then you have guys like Kevin hester or Wisdom who just haven't played the sport very long. I could see those guys redshirting.

 

[illinihorn]

They can now play up to four games before declaring