UNC Football: Michael Carter takes first team reps for New York Jets

At the start of New York Jets preseason camp, this former UNC football standout running back was seen taking the majority of first-team reps.

The New York Jets are in the process of a complete culture change. General manager Joe Douglas used this offseason to hire his own hand-picked coach in Robert Saleh, and put together a completely new-look roster for his new coach to work with.

Saleh, a rookie head coach, will look to make a great first impression with his new team. He will most likely rely on No. 2 overall draft pick quarterback Zach Wilson to lead his offense. Is it possible that Saleh’s backfield could be spearheaded by two of the team’s rookies?

When the Jets kicked off training camp this week, a familiar face for UNC football fans was taking snaps with the team’s first unit. Michael Carter, who had an outstanding career at North Carolina, has already earned his opportunity to work with the Jets’ main core of offensive players.

Over the last few seasons, the Jets have struggled to find consistent production from the running back position. Gang Green has not had a running back eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a single season since Chris Ivory accomplished the feat back in 2015.

Is it possible that Carter could be the solution to help fix the Jets’ running game woes? Based on the scheme fit and the Jets’ improved roster, he most certainly could be a major factor in a potential turnaround.

When the Jets selected Carter in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, they viewed the former Tar Heel back as a perfect fit for offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s offense. After passing on running backs earlier in the draft, including Carter’s former teammate Javonte Williams, the Jets got what they viewed as a “steal” with their pick of Carter.

Additionally, general manager Joe Douglas has made it a priority to improve the team’s offensive line. In back-to-back drafts, the Jets used a first round pick to select a lineman, and through free agency, Douglas has been able to bolster the team’s offensive front. Not only will the improved line help protect the team’s franchise quarterback, but it will also help pave the way for the running game.

Of course, LaFleur’s designed offense utilizes multiple running backs that utilize different skill sets. However, one must emerge as the team’s main back, and who better than Carter to fill the void?

Based on the early part of training camp, Carter may have a leg up on the competition. If he ends up winning the starting job, it would be a huge bonus for the Jets, as he has the potential and skill set that would be a tremendous asset for their offense.

Week 1 is still a few weeks away, but Michael Carter is already drawing headlines at Jets camp. Based on what we saw during his time in Chapel Hill, it would be a safe bet to say that he’ll draw a lot more attention once Jets fans get their first look at what he’s capable of doing on a football field.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates on Michael Carter, and the UNC Football program.