Countdown to Kickoff: The UNC Offensive Line Preview
By WFP
Dec 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Kendrick Singleton (81) receives congratulations from quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) and wide receiver Damien Washington (35) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the 2014 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. Rutgers won 40-21. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Left Tackle
LT1 Bentley Spain (#75) 6-6 300 lbs Soph
Spain saw action late in the season as Jon Heck and Ferranto battled injuries. Spain, who was banged up for most of 2014 himself is one of the biggest talents at tackle to come to Chapel Hill since James Hurst. During Spring Ball Spain secured the nod for starting left tackle over the incumbent, John Ferranto. With a massive frame, sound hips and the footwork of a Tight End, Spain is Carolina’s best option to protect Marquise Williams’ blind side. Spain is my dark horse candidate to earn All Conference nods come year’s end, as I expect a big season from Carolina’s next great offensive lineman.
LT2 William Sweet (#51) 6-7 300 lbs Early Enrollee Freshman
Sweet came to Chapel Hill a highly touted offensive line recruit but needed to develop the body to play the position. Needless to say Sweet took advantage of the training circuit in his first semester as an early enrollee bulking up from a shade under 270 in January to close to 300 lbs by mid June. Like Bentley Spain, William Sweet has the offensive coaches very excited about the future at tackle.
LT3 Caleb Samuel (#69) 6-5 275 lbs Redshirt Freshman
Since arriving on campus, the UNC coaching staff has flirted with utilizing Caleb Samuel as a Tight End. A surprisingly excellent athlete given his size, Samuel competed as a member of the track team in high school running in the 4 by 100 and 4 by 400 relay teams. Samuel will be used sparingly in 2015 but should see a role as a blocking tight end in short yardage and goal line situations.
Spain has the first string spoken for as long as he’s healthy. Depth at Left Tackle isn’t top-heavy either as John Ferranto has a year of starts as LT1. Ferranto can make the switch back to the left side if called upon.