UNC (3-1, 1-0 ACC) returned six of its top seven pass catchers from the 2015 season, and the hope coming into the year was that they would make plays for starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Four games into this season, that’s certainly been the case — as was seen on the game-winning drive in the Tar Heels’ 37-36 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday.
But the surprises have come on the second unit.
Offensive Coordinator Chris Kapilovic said the backup receivers — including Thomas Jackson, Anthony Ratliff-Williams and Jordan Cunningham — have impressed in limited action this season.
“Thomas Jackson had some nice plays (Saturday),” Kapilovic said. “That was a critical third down where he made a guy miss and got a first down.”
That play came in the second quarter against Pittsburgh, with North Carolina down by 12 and facing a 3rd-and-7. Trubisky went to the former walk-on, who caught a quick pass, juked the defender and picked up 10 yards.
The play before, Jackson had just been tackled quickly for a 1-yard gain. But Trubisky still had faith in the junior receiver, going back to him the next play.
“I was pretty mad about the bubble that I ran, because the dude caught me, and I’m not really used to getting caught like that,” Jackson said. “So the next one I just ran a little out route, and Mitch kinda threw it behind me, so I snagged it ... I was like, just get the first down.”
