Preview: Carter, Williams and Williams to lead stable of running backs

If there’s any silver lining to be found in North Carolina football’s 2-9 season last year, it’s the production of the run game. The Tar Heels totaled 2,123 rushing yards, their most since 2015. 

Now, this season, that number could rise even higher.

UNC lost running back Jordon Brown, who transferred to Kansas State in May. But the team returns three of its four leading rushers from last year: junior Michael Carter, senior Antonio Williams and sophomore Javonte Williams. 

“Fresh legs all the time — and I think that’s dangerous,” Antonio Williams said after practice on Tuesday. “I think we all have really good traits, and we have really good abilities all in our own special ways.”

Though the trio will likely split reps, the attack should start with Carter. 

The 5-foot-10, 200-pound speedster led the Tar Heels with 597 rushing yards and 7.1 yards per carry a season ago. Carter found the end zone three times last year — twice on the ground and once through the air. He caught 25 passes for 135 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per reception.

Carter also showed the ability to take over games with a 165-yard mid-season outing against Virginia Tech in October. If UNC’s offensive line can create holes, Carter could be in for an All-ACC season. 

While Carter will bring the speed, Antonio Williams will bring the power. 

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound New London, N.C. native will play his second season for UNC after transferring from Ohio State. Last year, he ran for 504 yards and tied for first on the team with five touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry in 10 games. He also caught 16 passes for 131 yards. 

Antonio Williams is tough to tackle and should be most effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations. But he said he worked on his speed in the offseason to add another dimension to his game. 

“I feel like I can get in the holes a lot quicker,” Antonio Williams said. “I feel like I can hit the edges. I tried to (work on) that, because a few times last year, I got caught from behind.” 

Then, there’s Javonte Williams. 

Javonte Williams was the Tar Heels’ fourth-leading rusher in 2018 with 224 yards and 5.2 yards per carry. As a first-year, he tied Antonio Williams for the most touchdowns on the team with five. 

At 5-foot-10, 215 pounds, Javonte Williams offers a blend of size and speed. He played in all 11 games last year and showed promise with strong performances in UNC’s final two games. The Wallace native ran for 93 yards and three touchdowns against Western Carolina; against N.C. State, he ran for 83 yards and a score. 

Expectations are high for UNC’s trio of running backs. Solid production from the group should alleviate pressure from first-year quarterback Sam Howell, too. 

“It’s a good feeling knowing you have three guys that can take the load off you at any time,” Howell said on Tuesday. “They’re three guys capable of changing the game with one play at any time.”

But Carter knows his position group, like the rest of the squad, has a lot to prove after the team underwhelmed the past two seasons. 

“I think we’re a group that wants to be labeled as tough, confident and winners,” he said. “Because we haven’t been that since I’ve been here.” 

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