After years of struggling to find a consistent kicker since Nick Weiler, the North Carolina Tar Heels finally found their gem in Noah Burnette.
Burnette was a great kicker last year, but he made a case for the nation’s best kicker in UNC’s 19-17, season-opening win over Minnesota last week, showcasing perfection by converting his lone extra point and all four field goals.
With his Week 1 perfection, Burnette was named one of the Lou Groza Award’s Stars of the Week. Burnette was previously a nominee for this annual award, given to the nation’s top kicker.
Burnette’s first make was his lone extra-point, which made it 7-0 UNC and came after North Carolina’s lone touchdown on a 3-yard, second quarter Max Johnson run. Burnette later converted a 29-yard field goal try and closed the Tar Heels’ gap to 14-10, a 52-yarder right before halftime (14-13), a 42-yard go-ahead try in the fourth quarter, plus the eventual game-winner from 45 yards out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_gUkX4xGzA/
Burnette was nearly perfect in 2023 as a whole, converting all 42 extra-point attempts and 18-of-19 field goal tries. If last week was any indicator of UNC’s 2024 offensive outlook, Burnette’s teammates will continue relying on him for points.
The Charlotte 49ers come to Kenan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7 for North Carolina’s home opener. Can Burnette continue his streak of perfection?
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.