UNC Football releases depth chart for Week One vs Gamecocks

The UNC Football program has officially released its first depth chart of the 2023 football season ahead of its matchup with South Carolina.

Game week has finally arrived for the UNC football program.

After many unknowns through most of fall camp, decisions have been made regarding the depth chart and who will take the field first for the Tar Heels Saturday night against South Carolina. Fans know who will start at some key positions (like quarterback), but other positions have been a guess at who could start (running back). We’ll cover some surprises that stand out in the depth chart.

British Brooks and/or Omarion Hampton being listed as the starter could be considered a surprise at the running back position. After his performance in the 2022 season, many UNC football fans most likely expected to see Elijah Green among the first string. However, with the running back room having so much depth, expect the Tar Heels to rotate fresh legs in constantly.

Along the offensive line, Coastal Carolina transfer Willie Lampkin has earned the start at right guard. Mack Brown talked about Lampkin during his weekly press conference on Monday and pointed out how tough and versatile he is.

"Willie Lampkin will start on the offensive line. He can play center or guard — really either guard. He had dislocated fingers in the spring and still practiced and never came out. He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s driven, and we’re excited about him."

Assuming Tez Walker is ineligible, it appears Nate McCollum, Kobe Pasyour, and Gavin Blackwell will be the top three wide receivers. It is also worth noting that George Pettaway is listed on the depth chart at wide receiver as well… Here is what Mack said about the wide receivers on Monday.

"We’ve got some other really good guys — J.J. Jones and Gavin Blackwell and Kobe Paysour, and then the Andre Greenes have to step up and some of those young ones,  Christian Hamilton has been here through the spring. Doc Chapman’s played much better. And then we’re using George Pettaway some at running back and at slot so he’s in a position where he can play both …"

In the defensive backfield, DeAndre Boykins was announced as the starter at Star, a good sign for the UNC football program. Boykins has reportedly missed some of fall camp due to injury concerns, but it appears that he is now healthy and will be on the field Saturday night. If you haven’t been paying attention, his backup is former running back DJ Jones. Here is what Mack said regarding Jones moving to defense.

"D.J. Jones, one of the most unselfish moves I’ve ever seen at a time where we talk about the transfer portal. Here’s a young guy, comes in, says ‘Coach I want to play, so if I can play more safety than running back, I want to move.’ I asked do you want to transfer and he said, ‘No, I’ll be on special teams. I want to do whatever I can do to help this team win.’ So he will get to play Saturday night …"

It is important to remember that unlike in the NFL, there are no preseason or exhibition games, and when the Tar Heels take the field Saturday night, it will be for the first time against an opponent in 2023. It is likely that what happens against the Gamecocks will cause several changes throughout the depth chart moving forward for the rest of the season.

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