North Carolina Football: Spring Practice Storylines That Matter

North Carolina football spring practice is here. Here are the storylines that matter for the Tar Heels – what’s the big deal, what to worry about, and what’s all set.

North Carolina is out to prove it has staying power …

Behind only Clemson, the Tar Heels were the ACC’s biggest storyline of 2015, winning 11 games and a program-first Coastal Division with a prolific offense. Now, Carolina aims to show that it was no one-year wonder by remaining the team to beat in the league’s weaker half.

While holes must be plugged, with Mitch Trubisky set to supplant Marquise Williams behind center, the Heels are bullish on 2016. Plenty of familiar faces return, none more essential than Larry Fedora, who finally amassed a tailwind in his fourth year in Chapel Hill.

No One Is Worried About …

The rushing attack. Elijah Hood is back after motoring for 1,463 yards and 17 touchdowns between the tackles. Supporting the powerful junior will be Trubisky, an agile improviser, and four returning offensive linemen. Three of those blockers, Caleb Peterson, Lucas Crowley and Jon Heck, earned a spot on one of last year’s All-ACC teams.

Extra Attention Must Be Given To …

The run D. The Heels will run the ball, but can they stop opponents on the ground? The 2015 edition allowed more than five yards a carry and an average of 43 points over the final three games. Although the secondary ought to be an asset, the front seven will be vulnerable if the linemen don’t mature and the new linebackers are slow to adjust over the course of spring practice and into fall camp.