It’s not like the North Carolina Tar Heels will win a bunch more games this football season, but their offense has the ability to at least keep them close with opponents.
UNC has shifted to a run-first offense this year, led by star running back Omarion Hampton. North Carolina has an okay passing attack, led by fifth-year quarterback Jacolby Criswell, but it’s missing a Drake Maye-caliber QB. The Tar Heels also have a solid receiving corps, but one that’s extremely young and lacks a true number one guy like Devontez Walker.
UNC’s already-inexperienced receiving corps just received a massive blow on Monday afternoon, as Inside Carolina’s Ben Sherman announced that starting tight end Bryson Nesbit will miss several weeks with a fractured wrist.
Through seven games this season, Nesbit leads North Carolina with 24 receptions. Nesbit is also tied with fellow tight end John Copenhaver for a team-best three touchdown receptions, plus Nesbit is second to J.J. Jones in receiving yards (264).
Sources: Injury will sideline #UNC's leading pass-catcher, tight end Bryson Nesbit. Story -> https://t.co/6n0vFNzl0a pic.twitter.com/cTS0IGgtdS
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) October 14, 2024
Good news for Nesbit and the Tar Heels: they have a bye week this coming weekend, which will allow Nesbit to rest up and recover from injury a bit. He likely won’t be back for the Virginia game in two weeks, but could return for a Nov. 2 road date with Florida State.
With Nesbit now out, look for UNC to rely more on Copenhaver and Texas A&M transfer tight end Jake Johnson. Jones will also now likely take on a larger role at receiver, while North Carolina will call upon other pass-catchers to step up.
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