2007 North Carolina Tar Heels Football Predictions & Preview


June 5, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

North Carolina needed five practices in the spring just to get their fundamentals down after another terrible season. By the spring game, the offense looked better than it had in several years. Even with a first-time quarterback, all new running backs, along with inexperience on the line and at some receiver spots, the spring game gave Tar Heel fans something to be excited about. New head coach Butch Davis never committed to who the starters would be after watching the spring game tape, but there is no question about the identity of the team’s best player.

Bet our North Carolina Football Predictions at Bookmaker and get a 20% Signup Bonus and free premium college football picks from our handicappers!

Sophomore receiver Hakeem Nicks set freshman records with 39 receptions for 660 yards in his first season with the Tar Heels. Nicks looked even better in the spring and will be expected to go over the 1,000 yard mark undoubtedly. Redshirt freshman T.J. Yates has the No. 1 spot at quarterback locked up, but Davis won’t admit it just yet. Redshirt freshman B.J. Phillips and sophomore Cameron Sexton are still trying to steal the position.

Three young guys competed at running back in the spring, but as of now nothing is resolved. Redshirt freshman Johnny White has breakaway speed. Sophomore Richie Rich, who got minimal playing time last year, has made big strides. Anthony Elzy is the sledgehammer of the group. The redshirt freshman ran over Tar Heel defenders in practice like it was going out of style. North Carolina is waiting to see him do that against its opponents. Another redshirt freshman Anthony Parker-Boyd continue to impress coaches, but fumble issues are really hurting his chances.

The defensive line will be the team’s strength without question this season. Senior Kentwan Balmer is better than 200 pounds and has a sub 5.0 second 40-yard dash. Aleric Mullins sat out his freshman season because of academics. He was their best defensive lineman a year ago and his return will help dramatically. Senior linebacker Durell Mapp will be asked to lead this corps. Wesley Flagg is speedy and large, but has to learn the linebacker position after playing exclusively on special teams last year. Davis was not pleased with the secondary in the spring, but junior safety Trimane Goddard will relieve some of the headaches as he is also asked to lead this group.

North Carolina has only 10 senior on the roster, three being walk-ons. Freshmen and sophomores make up the majority of the squad. There will be small expectations in Davis’ first season, but a growing anticipation for the future under the former NFL coach. North Carolina surprised many people with the best recruiting class in all of the ACC. There is a reason for fans to keep their heads up in Tar Heel country.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  50-1 (Field)
Bodog:          50-1 (Field)
BetUS:         +1200 (Field)

Odds to Win ACC Coastal:
BetUS:         +400
Bodog:         +500

Related Articles You May Be Interested In:

Filed Under College Football