UNC Football: Ranking the offensive position groupings
By Grant Hughes
4. Wide Receivers
Much like the running backs, the receiving corp has endured a mass exodus of talent in its own right.
The Tar Heels lose their top three wide receivers in Bug Howard, Ryan Switzer, and Mack Hollins. The trio combined for nearly 2,300 yards receiving and 18 touchdowns last season.
Austin Proehl will be the leader of the pack and poised for a big season. You could expect the senior to receive 100+ targets much like Ryan Switzer did last season.
How the depth chart shakes out behind him is anyone’s guess.
Thomas Jackson and Jordan Cunningham are the only returning receivers with above five receptions last season. Though Jackson showed a knack for big plays, the two upperclassmen have yet to show much in Carolina Blue.
The trio of Rontavius Groves, Juval Mollette, and Anthony Ratliff each offer the promise to develop into an outside receiver. Junior speedster Devin Perry is in line to fill the role of field stretcher left vacant by Mack Hollins.
Much like with the running backs, the Tar Heels simply lose more talent than they return.
UNC is set for a wide receiver by committee approach as they desperately wait for someone to rise above their peers. The talent isn’t terrible but pales in comparison to years past.