Less than 24 hours before the UNC football program takes the field against UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, the Tar Heels revealed some rather disappointing news.
Willie Lampkin, #UNC’s first-team All-American offensive lineman, is a late scratch for Saturday and the Fenway Bowl, multiple sources say. Here’s more on the situation: https://t.co/w37jSkSUCL pic.twitter.com/KWG7p6Jze2
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) December 27, 2024
Inside Carolina reported that All-American offensive lineman Willie Lampkin will not play as he is being deemed a "late scratch." Leading up to tomorrow's game, Lampkin had been practicing with the team and was expected to play in what would have been his final game as a Tar Heel.
Unfortunately, we've already seen the last of Lampkin in a Tar Heel uniform.
According to Inside Carolina's report, Lampkin was expected to be a part of the team's press conference at Fenway Park on Friday to preview the game. However, he was replaced by JJ Jones on the panel, giving an early indication that something might be brewing.
North Carolina will be without two starting linemen for this game. Lampkin, who was a late scratch, leaves the team scrambling to figure out how to fill the void, while Howard Sampson (who left the program via the transfer portal) left a void of his own at the left tackle position.
Along with the aforementioned offensive linemen, the Tar Heels will also be without star running back Omarion Hampton along with some notable defensive players: Jahvaree Ritzie, Kaimon Rucker, Power Echols and Stick Lane.
Lampkin's situation is a surprising one, given that he was set to play leading up to today's announcement. While there hasn't been much released on why he isn't playing, it very well could be that he is dealing with some sort of injury, one that he doesn't want to get worse as he prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft.
While his absence will certainly be noteworthy, it does provide some opportunities for others on the depth chart to earn some valuable playtime.
Especially with a new head coach coming in to lead the program, these types of opportunities could be good for those student-athletes who have a future with the UNC football program.