UNC Football: Five important players

Heading into the 2014-15 season, there are high hopes for the North Carolina football team.  The Heels are ranked #23 in the Nation, and are expected to contend for the Coastal Division crown.  The Tar Heels have a roster filled with talent, but there are key players throughout as well.

North Carolina should be in contention for a spot in the ACC Championship Game, but in order get there they will need their playmakers to show up. With a pretty tough schedule, the Heels face some games that could certainly determine their fate this season.

Here is a list of the five most important players for UNC to have a successful season:

Quinshad Davis; Wide Receiver

The junior wide receiver will be one of the focal points for the Tar Heels offense this season. Last year, Davis emerged as one of the Tar Heels top scoring threats alongside Eric Ebron. Well Ebron is gone and it’s Davis turn to be the go-to guy in the offense.

Davis had 48 receptions for 10 touchdowns last season, five more than he had his freshman year. With a 6-foot-4, 215 pound frame, Davis can give opposing defensive backs fits as they try to cover him. More importantly he gives the Tar Heels some stability on the offensive side, no matter who starts at quarterback.

T.J. Logan; Running Back

The Tar Heels will have a talented backfield this season, led by Logan who slimmed down to 192 pounds in the off-season. The versatile running back is also a threat out of the backfield as a target on check downs or screen plays.

Logan missed the first four games last season, but was the Heels lead back when he returned. He carried the ball 93 times and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. If Logan can give the Heels anything close to that production, their dynamic offense will be something to watch.

Norkeithus Otis; Linebacker

The senior is playing a hybrid linebacker position which brings him closer to the line of scrimmage. He’s the anchor to a defense that lost some talent last season and will be a big part of the Tar Heels potential success this season.

Otis will be the main man in the defense, as he will play in space at the end spot. The Tar Heels will rely on Otis to man the defense and provide senior leadership they lost last season.

Marquise Williams; Quarterback

While Fedora hasn’t announced the starter yet, the favorite seems to be Marquise Williams. He took over for Bryn Renner last season when Renner went down and Williams impressed.

Now if he wins the job, it will be his turn to run the offense who will look to open up the field with a steady air attack and solid ground attack. Williams is what makes the offense go and if he struggles, the Heels could struggle out of the gate this season.

Williams gives the Tar Heels a balanced offensive attack as he is a threat with his feet as well. He looks to be the best fit for the Tar Heels this season.

Ryan Switzer; Return specialist/wide receiver

It’s hard to argue against Switzer being the most important player on the Tar Heels this season. Switzer is a game-changer and could win the Tar Heels some games this season, despite just being a return specialist.

His threat to return it for a touchdown will be key for the Tar Heels. We could see a lot of teams kicking away from Switzer, which should give them good field position.

Switzer will also line up at receiver, which will be interesting to see how much Fedora uses him and how he uses him.