Since beginning training camp on August 1, the North Carolina football team has had sixteen practices, but the day-to-day toils of the preseason haven’t fazed the Tar Heels.
Instead of looking exhausted and bogged down by two-a-days and constant conditioning, UNC’s players were filled with energy Wednesday morning on the practice field.
Players, including 5-foot-10 true freshman Ryan Switzer, were dancing and singing to the music that blasted in-between reps — not something one would expect from anyone on Hump Day.
After UNC coaches challenged players in the team’s two practices on Tuesday, Larry Fedora commended how the Tar Heels responded on Wednesday.
“(There was a) great energy level today,” coach Larry Fedora said. “The kids came out with the right attitude.”
All about the details
With nearly all of the plays and schemes implemented at this point for the Tar Heels, there isn’t much left to learn in terms of X’s and O’s.
Fedora said camp from now on is going to be based upon on paying close attention to details and mastering the execution of all plays — a focus that differs from how the Tar Heels practice once the team begins its schedule.
On a given game week during the season, the team comes up with a game plan that has a limited number of plays which are practiced repeatedly, Fedora said. But during training camp, any play is fair game.
“When you have your whole offense or your whole defense and all your special teams, you go out there on the field and anything can be called,” Fedora said. “When you put a game plan together it’s very specific.
“Right now, they’re preparing for everything so it takes a lot more concentration.”
Washington not yet game-ready
After moving from wide receiver to safety this offseason, sophomore Damien Washington has been learning the Tar Heels’ defense as quickly as possible in an attempt to be able to contribute once the season starts.
But according to Fedora he still has some work to do.
“Is he ready to play it today? I don’t think so,” Fedora said. “But we could put him out there and he’d know what to do. That’s the good part.”
Questions at right tackle
During the last couple weeks at camp, the right tackle position on the offensive line has seen a number of prospects— none of which have stepped up to claim the starting role.
“We’re waiting for somebody to say ‘it’s mine,’” Fedora said. “Going into today I don’t think anybody has solidified that spot yet.
“I’m definitely concerned.”
With the loss of three starters on the offensive line to the NFL draft in April, a big question for the Tar Heels has been whether or not they can replace the likes of Travis Bond, Jonathan Cooper and Brennan Williams.
With nearly two weeks left until its opener against South Carolina, UNC is still looking for either sophomore Kiaro Holts, redshirt freshman Jon Heck or redshirt freshman John Ferranto to step up and take the starting right tackle position.
And Fedora is confident someone will eventually.
“They’ll have five guys that are ready to roll out there on the 29th,” Fedora said.
Tabb learning quickly
On Monday, tight end Jack Tabb began to transition into a role at linebacker because of injuries on the defensive front seven. Fedora is confident Tabb — who’s only played in the new position for four practices — will be able to make a difference, if needed.
While injuries may be the only reason Tabb is playing defense, Fedora, who is typically not fond of using the word “comfortable”, admitted he is at ease when it comes to having No. 80 at linebacker.
“He’s doing a really good job. He could be a full time linebacker,” Fedora said. “There’s no doubt in my mind.”
But Fedora said the team hopes Tabb’s stint at linebacker does not become a full-time gig as the junior is more valuable offensively.
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