UNC Football: Mack Brown discusses seniors plans for 2021

Are any seniors from the 2020 UNC football team planning on returning for the 2021 college football season?

This weekend, the UNC football program will celebrate their annual “Senior Day,” as they are scheduled to take on Western Carolina on Saturday afternoon. Typically, “Senior Day” is a day to honor the members of that year’s graduating class. However, there’s a bit of a twist to this year’s festivities.

The twist is that some seniors may actually be returning to the program for the 2021 season.

Earlier this fall, the NCAA released updated eligibility rules for all current fall sport athletes. These updated rules were put into place due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the new set of rules, fall sport athletes will be granted the option of having an additional season of eligibility. To coincide with this option, the five-year eligibility period has also been extended to ensure that these student-athletes can still participate.

On Wednesday, Mack Brown spoke to reporters, and provided some clarity regarding the status of the UNC football program’s senior athletes. According to Brown, 16 student-athletes will take part in Saturday’s “Senior Day” festivities. Below are some of the key Tar Heels who plan to move on after the 2020 season:

Regardless of the given circumstances, the Tar Heels were expected to lose some key talent after this season. The three big names that the Tar Heels will lose include Michael Carter, Chazz Surratt and Dazz Newsome, all of which are expected to be selected in this year’s NFL Draft.

Although the Tar Heels will lose a good amount of talent with the departure of this year’s senior class, Brown confirmed that a trio of seniors will be returning next season. That trio consists of Beau Corrales, Tyrone Hopper and Grayson Atkins. All three have all confirmed that they will return to Chapel Hill for their extra season of eligibility. And all three should make a big impact for next year’s squad.

Due to injury, Corrales has been limited to just five games this season. However, when Corrales is on the field, he serves as a very reliable target for Sam Howell. Over his career to this point, Corrales has reeled in 80 receptions for 1,176 yards and 12 scores.

Hopper has grown into a reliable defensive player for the Tar Heels. He is in the midst of his best statistical season thus far, tallying 25 tackles (13 solo) along with two sacks. Based on his yearly improvement, Hopper could definitely be in a line for a big final season in Chapel Hill.

As Tar Heels placekicker for the last four seasons, Atkins has made 41 of his 54 field goal attempts (76%). He will have yet another opportunity to handle the placekicking duties for Mack Brown’s team next season.

It’s important to keep in mind that this information is just pertaining to this year’s senior class. There is still a possibility that some underclassmen could be moving on as well, as you could see some players declare for the NFL Draft or even transfer out of the program.

Regardless, it’s good to see that some Tar Heels are returning. As you enjoy the Tar Heels game on Saturday, take some time to enjoy and appreciate the contributions that this year’s senior core has made over their four years on campus.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding the UNC football program.