4/15/2023 football Edit

Newcomers Shine In Spring Game

North Carolina held its annual spring game Saturday, and here is a recap of how things played out. (Jacob Turner/THI)

Trey Scott

Tar Heel Illustrated

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CHAPEL HILL, NC — North Carolina's annual spring game offered an exciting sneak peek at the Tar Heels' emerging talent, as the Blue team defeated the White team, 13-3, in a lively showcase of new freshmen, transfers, and returning players.

"Spring games are unique, and I felt like this was as good as any one I have been around," said UNC head coach Mack Brown.

Brown was mic'd up for the event and entertained the crowd with his commentary while leading the team through stretching, dynamic warmups, special teams situations, and 11-on-11 drills. The Tar Heels were split into position groups and rotated through seven stations, demonstrating impressive harmony and efficiency.

In the live action, Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Drake Maye shined, completing 10 of 13 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Maye connected with newcomers Devontez "Tez" Walker and Nate McCollum for a touchdown each, highlighting their potential as explosive additions to the offense. Walker finished with three catches for 59 yards, and McCollum had two catches for 50 yards.

"Nate and Tez are both great players," Drake Maye said. "I have a good group around me. I just have to do my job and get them the ball."

The Tar Heels concluded spring practice Saturday with the annual game at Kenan Stadium. (Jacob Turner/THI)

Running back British Brooks led the second team and showcased his health, receiving the ball on the first five plays, including a swing pass for a big gain negated by a holding call. Brooks finished with six carries for 13 yards. The Tar Heels' running back committee remained strong, with four different players sharing reps but no standout performer. Omarion Hampton, the starting back for the Blue team, finished with eight carries for 27 yards. Freshman running back Kellan Hood chipped in with four carries for 27 yards.

Quarterback Conner Harrell struggled, completing six of 15 passes for 37 yards. However, he built chemistry with freshman Christian Hamilton, who caught three passes for 18 yards.

Defensively, seniors Myles Murphy and Kaimon Rucker dominated the line of scrimmage, each recording a sack. The defensive line showed marked improvement, firing off the ball with speed and aggression. Defensive lineman Kaimon Rucker attributed the improvement to tackling the game mentally in the offseason.

UNC QB Drake Maye threw two touchdown passes in the spring game Saturday at Kenan Stadium. (Jacob Turner/THI)

"We are definitely getting to the ball a lot faster," Rucker said. "We are taking the thinking out of it now. Coaches have done a great job this spring giving us our plays and just making it simple."

Freshman jack Tyler Thompson demonstrated speed and potential, making a few tackles and chasing Maye out of bounds for a loss of gain. Safety Ja'Qurious Conley displayed no signs of rust or lingering injury, filling the lanes and making multiple tackles.

"I think this is the healthiest he has been since his injury for sure," captain and linebacker Cedric Gray said. "He was a great athlete before the injury, so I definitely see a lot of his athleticism coming back for sure."

Special teams had a mixed performance, with Ryan Coe missing a 39-yard field goal and Noah Burnette converting a 35-yarder despite a bad snap. Overall, the spring game provided fans an engaging and entertaining look at the Tar Heels' progress and potential for the upcoming season.