Analysis: New faces on offensive line may have significant impact for UNC football

The offensive line is the backbone of every football team.

For North Carolina, this unit will be particularly crucial as they look to build on last season’s success on offense. But with four starters gone, the Tar Heels face a significant challenge. 

One aspect that could define this offensive line is its role in establishing a more balanced attack under second-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. With the departure of Phil Longo and the arrival of Lindsey, the Tar Heels have made a concerted effort to move away from their previous tendencies.

Last year, the shift was already evident as the team leaned more on the run, reducing its reliance on the air raid that characterized past seasons. The key for this group will be their ability to protect the quarterback and provide open space for running backs, including Omarion Hampton, who rushed for over 1,500 yards last season. 

At the center of this effort is Willie Lampkin. The 5-foot-11, 290-pound guard returns as the anchor of the line after earning third-team All-ACC honors last season. Lampkin, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, started all 11 games he appeared in last season, his first at UNC, and was a key factor in UNC’s potent offense, which averaged 491.2 total yards per game.

Lampkin’s leadership on the offensive line will be crucial as the unit looks to build cohesion. 

An emerging newcomer is Austin Blaske, a transfer from Georgia who brings both experience and mettle to the Tar Heels. Blaske appeared in 15 games for the Bulldogs over three seasons, including Georgia’s championship-winning campaign. Now, the 6-foot-5, 310 pound Blaske is expected to slot in as the starting center for UNC.

Together, Blaske and Lampkin form what could be a strong offensive line, despite the loss of Corey Gaynor and Diego Pounds from last year. But the real wild card might be Zach Greenberg, a Division III transfer from Muhlenberg. 

Greenberg started all 27 games he played at Muhlenberg and was a two-time All-Region selection. He may potentially score a spot in the starting lineup at UNC, and his versatility could make him a valuable asset as the season progresses.

Other potential impact players on the offensive line are sophomores Howard Sampson and Trevyon Green, both of whom bring immense size and physicality to the tackle positions.

In his two years at North Texas, Sampson appeared in four games. Last season, Green was a member of the special teams unit and appeared in all 13 games for the Tar Heels. 

Furthermore, North Carolina added first-year tackles Andrew Rosinski, Luke Masterson and Desmond Jackson, along with interior offensive linemen Aidan Banfield and Jani Norwood. The addition of these five to the offensive line unit will provide key depth to the Tar Heels' squad. 

The ability of these linemen to dominate at the point of attack and sustain drives against tougher competition, especially in the latter part of the season, will be crucial if the Tar Heels hope to break through their current ceiling and truly contend in the ACC.

As the season approaches, the expectations are high for this new-look offensive line. Despite the departure of key players from last year, this unit has the ability and potential to become a key factor in North Carolina's increased focus on the running game to help open up options for the quarterback, either graduate Max Johnson or sophomore Conner Harrell. 

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