The transfer portal has not been kind to the UNC football team in its early stages, snatching up several starters and a couple key reserves.
North Carolina’s greatest losses are star linebacker Amare Campbell, who emerged as a reliable starter and replacement for now-Tennessee Titan Cedric Gray, quarterback Conner Harrell and defensive lineman Travis Shaw.
The Tar Heels will also be thin at offensive line in 2025, a position they can’t afford to lose talent at, but those losses could be minimized after an upcoming visit.
Walter Young Bear, an offensive lineman who spent his first four seasons at Tulsa, is planning to visit UNC on Wednesday, December 18. According to Tar Heel Illustrated’s Bryant Baucom, Bear will then make a decision on Monday, Dec. 23.
North Carolina current has six offensive lineman in the transfer portal, including three 2024 starters in center Austin Blaske, left guard Aidan Banfield and left tackle Howard Sampson.
Tulsa OL transfer Walter Young Bear (@WalterYoungBea2) tells me he plans to take a visit to UNC “around” Dec. 18th and will make a decision “around” the 23rd. @HeelIllustrated
— Bryant Baucom (@Bryant_Baucom02) December 7, 2024
The Tar Heels also say bye to backup center Zach Greenberg, freshman Andrew Rosinski and junior Eli Sutton, the latter two of whom aren’t offically listed on the depth chart.
If you thought UNC’s offensive line was thin, it’ll also say goodbye to graduate students Jakiah Leftwich, seniors Willie Lampkin and Jonathan Adorno. These departures will force North Carolina to replace both its left tackles, both centers, two right guards and one left guard.
If the Tar Heels land Young, though, they’re getting an experienced offensive lineman with 34 appearances under his belt. Young’s official Tulsa bio lists him starting two 2023 games at left guard, but I’m sure UNC coaches will have him play anywhere he produces.
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