THI TV: Lindsey Pre-Bowl Q&A Session & Report

CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey met with the media Monday following the Tar Heels’ fifth practice in preparation for their bowl game.

Among the things Lindsey was asked about are quarterback Conner Harrell, the tight end situation, Kobe Paysour, West Virginia’s defense, and more.

UNC and the Mountaineers meet December 27 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The game kicks off at 5:30 PM and will air on ESPN.

Above is video of Lindsey’s Q&A session, and below are some notes from what he had to say:

*Conner Harrell played 21 snaps this season at quarterback for UNC, but he is now QB1 with Drake Maye not playing in the bowl game. Lindsey was asked how Harrell has been different each day the last week since going into practice as the starter.

“I think it has been a little different. When you know, ‘Hey, I’m the guy, I’m the guy they’re counting on, I’m running with the blue group.’ He’s always prepared well. I will say that, he’s that kind of person, and he’s always very smart. So, he’s always known the game plan and what’s going on.

“I think it’s been a different feel for him. I think I’ve seen him more confidence, probably just because he’s the guy that’s got to go out with that first group, he’s got to make sure the huddle is right on the sideline, he’s the guy that’s got to get the call right up front, the older guys are looking at him expecting him to be able to do it.

“I really like the way he’s responded. I think he’s had a really good, I guess it’s five days we’ve had now, five days of practice… So, I’m excited for him. This is a great opportunity for him. He’s waited for this opportunity, and the chance to get on the field and go with the first group, I’m excited, and hopefully he’ll play well.”

*Consistency has been an issue with Harrell, something he has acknowledged. But two days after the Campbell game, UNC Coach Mack Brown said Harrell had two good weeks in a row of practice leading to the game. Lindsey said Harrell has shored up the consistency matter of late.

“The last month of the season, I really though he’d made a lot of strides. If you think about it, he really hasn’t played any since high school. Redshirted, and then this year, spot play here and there. I joked with him the other day, ‘You’re going to have to be ready to protect the ball now, because you know you hadn’t had that many reps, and getting hit again, and doing all those things that go along with that.’”

Lindsey added, “I like the progress he’s making. He’s been more consistent for sure than maybe last spring or early fall camp.”

*Kobe Paysour was injured during Carolina’s win over Syracuse in the fifth game of the season and hasn’t played since. He caught 22 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns in his limited time. But Paysour is back and practicing at full strength. While he very well could play in the bowl game, that decision has not yet been made. Regardless, he’s making major progress right now.

“I think you see him back getting his legs back under him. He’s worked really hard to try and get back, and we need him, if he’s available, we definitely need him. He’s a spark to the offense, a veteran guy that’s made a lot of plays. I like what I’ve seen from him.”

*With Kamari Morales having transferred to Boston College, and John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit out with injuries, UNC has no available scholarship tight ends for the bowl game. So, it’s redshirt freshman Deems May Jr. and a whole lot of creativity in the game plan, Lindsey said.

“We’re thin, we’re thin for sure. I think Deems is doing a great job. I think we move Deems over in the spring, I think. He’s played a little bit here and there. We’re trying to find some more depth there. We’re trying to be very creative in what we’re doing. We’ve been a huge 12 personnel, sometimes 13 personnel team this year, which is good. It fit our team.

“But those three tight ends that were playing all those reps aren’t available. So, we’ve got to make sure that we try to give our guys the best plan we can, and we’re still working through some of that.”