UNC Football: 2024 Positional Preview- Tight Ends
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More people should be talking about the depth that the UNC football program's tight end group features.
Arguably the deepest positional group that this year's roster possesses, the tight end room is headlined by three key players. Two of those players return after strong seasons while another joins the team as a transfer, as this three-headed monster has the potential to be a true matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
While there are various positional battles going on in training camp, the only question surrounding the tight end group is how will the program find ways to get the most out of all three players?
What We Know
This tight end group is arguably the best in the entire country.
While the returners are both coming off injuries that forced them to miss spring practices, the Tar Heels know enough about them to know what they are capable of on the field.
As for the newbie, well, he may have an advantage given he has a personal connection to one of the quarterbacks competing for the starting gig.
The Key Players
John Copenhaver
In case you weren't aware: John Copenhaver is one tough dude.
After suffering a broken hand in the UNC Football program's season opener, Copenhaver battled through to continue playing, as he appeared in 12 games throughout the year. A reliable pass catcher (even with a broken hand!) and a steady blocker, Copenhaver does a little bit of everything for the UNC football program, as he provides a veteran presence who should once again make a huge impact on the team's offense.
The hope is that the injury bug stays away from him this season!
2023 Stats (12 Games Played): 18 receptions for 240 yards and four touchdowns
Bryson Nesbit
Whoever ends up starting at quarterback will benefit from having Bryson Nesbit around, especially in the red zone.
A wide receiver in a tight end's body, Nesbit was one of the UNC football program's leading receivers a season ago. He recorded the second-most touchdowns on the team behind Tez Walker (who is now in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens), as he once again should be heavily targeted in the UNC football program's offensive attack.
2023 Stats (12 Games Played): 41 receptions for 585 yards and five touchdowns
(First-Team All-ACC Selection)
Jake Johnson
The newcomer to the group, Jake Johnson's last name makes it easy to know which quarterback he has the most familiarity with.
Johnson transferred to North Carolina from Texas A&M, as he hopes to be catching passes from his brother, Max, this upcoming season. He saw much more action as a sophomore, as he became more of a weapon for the Texas A&M offense.
Now, Johnson will look to add to this talented group, as he has the potential to be a breakout candidate for this offense, especially with Nesbit and Copenhaver destined to depart Chapel Hill following this season.
Outlook
The UNC football program has plenty of options at the tight end position to work with, as this group is projected to be a major factor in the team's offense.
Along with the veteran returners at the wide receiver position, it's assuring to know that the team's starting quarterback (whoever that may be) will have plenty of options to throw the football to this season.
Depth Chart
Starters: John Copenhaver, Bryson Nesbit
Contributor: Jake Johnson
Reserves: Cort Halsey, Timmy Lawson, Deems May, Julien Randolph, Cal Tierney, Ryan Ward