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UNC Football announces their players of the week for the win over Minnesota

Which UNC football players earned recognition for their performance during Week 1 action?

By Michael McKay

Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs the ball against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs the ball against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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The UNC football program announced their players of the week for their Week 1 win over Minnesota.

There are no surprises here. Omarion Hampton was the offensive player of the week. Defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie was the defensive player of the week. Cornerback Alijah Huzzie, the primary punt returner, was given a special teams nod, but the star of the show is kicker Noah Burnette. He scored 12 points from four field goals to give North Carolina its slim margin of victory.

North Carolina's official picks roughly match KIH's Helmet Stickers for Week 1, which saw Burnette and Ritzee recognized. Hampton was the most productive offensive player, rushing for 129 yards on 30 carries and catching five passes for 17 more yards. He didn't make it to the end zone, but the UNC football program only scored one touchdown on a quarterback scamper from Max Johnson before his unfortunate injury.

Jahvaree Ritzie was the clear choice for defensive player of the week. He had the best game of his North Carolina career, tallying six tackles and three sacks. The senior lineman from Kernersville, North Carolina, bested his career total of sacks (2.5) in just one game. If Ritzie has underachieved in his UNC career, the destruction he caused against Minnesota is a fascinating harbinger of what could come this season.

Senior cornerback Alijah Huzzie was recognized for special teams, but I suspect his defensive contributions helped nudge him over the line. He only had one punt return for 15 yards, but did have six tackles (two solo) and a pass breakup on defense.

Not much more needs to be said about Noah Burnette. The senior placekicker was the difference between winning and losing for the Tar Heels. He hit four kicks from 29, 52, 42, and 45 yards out. The 52-yarder was a career-long for Burnette, and his last two kicks, both 40+ yarders, gave the UNC football program the lead when they were trailing by two and one points, respectively.

These were clutch kicks.

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