UNC Football: Top 3 Offensive Players Destined to Breakout

Which three offensive players are the most likely to have breakout years for the UNC football program this upcoming season?

There are many new faces on the offensive side of the ball for the UNC football program, both players and coaches. This includes many incoming freshmen, multiple transfers as well as a new Offensive Coordinator and positional coaches.

Mack Brown has brought in three new coaches on the offensive side of the ball for the 2023 season. This includes Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey who spent one season at UCF in the same role before heading to Chapel Hill.

Along with Lindsey, the Tar Heels added coaching veteran Randy Clements to coach the Offensive Line. Clements spent just one season with The University of North Texas as the Offensive Line coach before joining the North Carolina coaching staff.

The Tar Heels also added 16-year NFL coach Freddie Kitchens to the staff as the Tight End coach/Run Game Coordinator. Kitchens is an absolute stellar addition, as he brings advanced knowledge of the game to the table.

Implementing new offensive coaches means there will be a new offensive playbook for the Tar Heels, allowing different players to break out for the season. This list will include three players that we could see make that big jump.

1. John Copenhaver- Tight End

John Copenhaver enters his Junior season after appearing in 13 games last season. The 6-foot-3 tight end finished his 2022 season with 15 receptions, 222 yards, and an average of 14.8 yards per reception.

Copenhaver has yet to have an opportunity to prove himself as he has been in a limited role since stepping on campus in 2020. With the addition of new coaches Chip Lindsey and Freddie Kitchens, the tight end position has been reimagined since last season. Both coaches have the reputation of often using tight ends in their playbook, and John Copenhaver provides everything to love about a tight end when it comes to size and decision-making. Another interesting note is Drake Maye lost his best red zone target, Josh Downs, to the NFL draft this past off-season, so a mix between new coaching and a favorable opportunity gives numerous reasons why Copenhaver has an opportunity to make an impact.

2. Jonathan Adorno- Offensive Lineman

Coming into the 2023 season, Jonathan Adorno is yet to start a game for the Tar Heels through his first 3 seasons on the team. Despite not starting last season, Adorno appeared in all 14 games between the offensive line and special teams. Through 215 snaps played at right guard last season, Adorno did not allow a single sack.

Adorno is expected to be the starting right guard in week one against South Carolina after starter Asim Richards was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round. Starting right guard, William Barnes is expected to slide into the void at left tackle caused by Richards’ departure, allowing Jonathan Adorno to become a likely starter at right guard. With previous success at the right guard role and being a seasoned veteran within the program, Adorno is set up to not only break out but also succeed in the role that is provided by the coaches.

3.  Andre Greene Jr.- Wide Receiver

Entering his second year as a Tar Heel, Greene Jr. was redshirted last season, despite playing in five games and starting in the Holiday Bowl. He recorded his first collegiate reception and touchdown during the Holiday Bowl against Oregon last season.

Greene Jr. has spent just one season in college after being a highly touted recruit in the 2022 class. 247Sports Composite rankings had Greene Jr. as the 61st player in the nation, eighth wide receiver in his class, and third-best player in his home state of Virginia. At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he provides an excellent target for Drake Maye whether it is deep passes or simple routes. Greene Jr. is undoubtedly a stud, which was proven in the Holiday Bowl, he is now just waiting on a more steady role on this loaded offense.

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