UNC Football: 2023 Positional Preview: Offensive Line

Our 2023 UNC football position previews continue with the unit that arguably has the most important job to do this upcoming season.

There are a few positions that you could point to and say, “The UNC football program needs this group to be at its best for the team to succeed.”

Looking at the offensive side of the ball, the offensive line is most likely the first area you’ll look at.

Heading into the 2023 season, Mack Brown and the UNC football program are hoping for improvement from its big guys up front. Not only are they tasked with protecting star quarterback Drake Maye (which is simply priority No. 1), but they also are challenged to help the Tar Heels improve their running game from a season ago.

There are some new faces among this group, as well as a couple of returners, as the Tar Heels are using the next few weeks to see how these pieces fit best. With five starting spots available, North Carolina has about eight guys who are ready to be thrown into game action.

What We Know

For the second straight season, the UNC football program has a new Offensive Line Coach, as Randy Clements comes in to replace Jack Bicknell, who left for Wisconsin with former Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo.

Asim Richards is the biggest loss among this unit, as he departed for the NFL. After Richards essentially developed into a brick wall as Maye’s blindside protection last season, North Carolina will now look to fill Richards’ shoes with the depth the team currently possesses.

Bicknell turned last year’s line into a serviceable group, as his departure is a big loss for the UNC football program. However, we’ll have to see what Clements does with this unit, as he’s a big proponent of “running the damn ball.”

The Key Players

William Barnes is projected to move from right guard to left tackle, a move that should benefit him given his size and range. He’ll be tasked with protecting Maye’s blindside, as he’ll get the first crack at the chance to replace Richards.

A name to watch among this group is Willie Lampkin, a transfer from Coastal Carolina. With experience at guard and center, Lampkin could earn a starter’s role or serve as a reserve that can back up multiple positions.

At this point, you can make the case that this group features more dependable depth than it did a season ago. Veterans Corey Gaynor and Ed Montilus return for their final seasons after starting every game during the 2022 campaign, while Spencer Rolland (who started 13 games in 2022) is also back in the mix for one more year.  Jonathan Adorno is expected to take on a starter’s role this season.

Diego Pounds, Malik McGowan, and Trevyon Green are also players who can see an extended look, especially if the Tar Heels face some injuries or struggles from the starting unit.

Outlook

This group is an experienced one for sure and has a big job on its hands this season. With four starters returning, there should be plenty of continuity from this group as they’ll look to pave the way for the Tar Heels offense this season.

Although the running back position was like a revolving door last year, can this group help improve the run game? If so, the UNC football program’s offense has the makings of being even more explosive than it was a season prior.

Don’t underestimate this group: they are going to play a big role in how far this team goes this season.

Depth Chart

Left Tackle
William Barnes
Diego Pounds

Left Guard
Ed Montilus
Willie Lampkin

Center
Corey Gaynor
Willie Lampkin

Right Guard
Jonathan Adorno
Malik McGowan

Right Tackle
Spencer Rolland
Trevyon Green

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