No. 22

Name: Brian Blados

Position: OT

Jersey #: 60

Years: 1980-83

Honors: 1st-team All-America 1983; 1st-team All-ACC 1983

Notable Stats: NA

In Closing: Blados came on very strong in his career and had a great senior season helping the Tar Heels’ offense produce a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in 1983. Blados routinely moved the pile, opened holes for counters and dive plays, and simply owned the turf he played on, especially as a senior. He was also an excellent pass protector, communicator on the offensive line, and became a terrific leader of the group.

The Tar Heels had six 1,000-yard rushers during Blados’ career: two in 1980, 1 in both 1981 and 1982, and two again in 1983. That season, Ethan Horton (1,107 yards) and Tyrone Anthony (1,063) reached the mark. Carolina also went 37-11 in Blados’ four years, finishing ranked in the top 10 in 1980 and 1981, reaching as high as No. 5 in 1982 and No. 3 in 1983. The Heels went 3-1 in bowl games in that period, winning the first three while combining to run for 741 yards, though they were shut down in the 1983 Peach Bowl loss to Florida State. Blados embodied the mindset and spirit of the OL during that period, a reason he belongs on this list.

Prior Ranked Heels

30 - Natrone Means

29 - Jack Merritt

28 - Landon Turner

27 - Chris Hanburger

26 - Jeff Saturday

25 - Bob Lacey

24 - Bracey Walker

23 - Ethan Horton