ESPN College Football

2010 overall record: 8-5

2010 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense: 6, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

WR Dwight Jones, WR Erik Highsmith, OT James Hurst, OG Jonathan Cooper, C Cam Holland, DE Quinton Coples, DT Jared McAdoo, DE Donte Paige-Moss, DT Tydreke Powell, LB Kevin Reddick, CB Charles Brown

Key losses

QB T.J. Yates, TE Zack Pianalto, TB Johnny White, LB Quan Sturdivant, LB Bruce Carter, CB Kendric Burney, S Deunta Williams, S Da’Norris Searcy

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Johnny White (720 yards)

Passing: T.J. Yates (3,418 yds)

Receiving: Dwight Jones* (946 yds)

Tackles: Kevin Reddick* (74)

Sacks: Quinton Coples* (10)

Interceptions: Da'Norris Searcy (4)

Spring answers

1. The offensive line should be the best since Butch Davis arrived in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels had to replace two starters in OT Mike Ingersoll and OG Alan Pelc, but Travis Bond has earned the starting job at right guard and Brennan Williams at right tackle. The left side of the line will be particularly strong with guard Jonathan Cooper (22 career starts), and OT James Hurst. This is also a large group, averaging 319 pounds.

2. There’s depth on the defensive line. There was enough depth this spring to move Coples from tackle back to end, his natural position. The Tar Heels have Paige-Moss at right end, Jordan Nix and Powell at tackle, and junior college transfer Sylvester Williams was pushing Nix for the starting job. Jared McAdoo has played both positions, and the staff has four tackles it feels good about.

3. Bryn Renner has taken over. Heading into the spring, Davis wouldn’t anoint Renner his 2011 starter just yet. Now, there’s no question it’s Renner’s job, as none of the other candidates came close to him this spring. True freshman Marquise Williams went through a major learning curve, and A.J. Blue and Braden Hanson didn’t close the gap.

Fall questions

1. Looking for a linebacker. Outside linebacker Zach Brown and middle linebacker Kevin Reddick have starting jobs locked up, but Herman Davidson and Darius Lipford will take their competition into summer camp.

2. Helping hands at tight end. Last year, 79 of the receptions were to tight ends, and Ryan Taylor and Zack Pianalto were two of the top three receivers on the team (combined for 66 catches last year). The staff recruited well at the position, but those players didn’t enroll early. Nelson Hurst, Christian Wilson and Sean Fitzpatrick were the lead candidates this spring.

3. Revamped secondary. All four starters must be replaced, but Jabari Price started the final four games at corner last season. There are six candidates for the safety positions, but Brown, Jonathan Smith and Brian Gupton all missed last season because of the NCAA investigation. Senior Matt Merletti emerged as a leader last year, safety Gene Robinson is in the mix, and safety Josh Hunter had a good spring game with six tackles and an interception. Tre Boston moved from corner to safety.

As the NFL lockout still continues, the professional careers of several former ACC players remain in limbo. Any players hoping to extend their playing days as undrafted free agents must wait until the NFL's labor issues are resolved. There is significant, proven talent on this list -- names I've typed countless times for their accomplishments in the ACC -- but don't forget that the NFL is based more on potential than it is on past production. I searched all of these players' names in ESPN.com's NFL player database, and North Carolina's Kendric Burney and Clemson's DeAndre McDaniel received the highest grades (over 60, which is considered fourth-round equivalent). Most of them were graded in the 30s, which means they are considered a borderline draft prospect. Regardless of where they wind up in the future, their contributions in the past certainly won't be forgotten.

These are the players who were invited to the combine but not drafted, according to the NFL's draft tracker:

• Daniel Aiken LS 6'4" 244 Virginia
• Damien Berry RB 5'10" 211 Miami
• Kendric Burney DB 5'9" 186 North Carolina
• Mario Butler DB 6'0" 182 Georgia Tech
• Graig Cooper RB 5'10" 205 Miami
• Shaun Draughn RB 5'11" 213 North Carolina
• Darren Evans RB 6'0" 227 Virginia Tech
• John Graves DT 6'3" 286 Virginia Tech
• Richard Lapham OL 6'8" 315 Boston College
• DeAndre McDaniel SS 6'0" 217 Clemson
• Adrian Moten LB 6'2" 228 Maryland
• Zack Pianalto TE 6'3" 256 North Carolina
• Owen Spencer WR 6'2" 195 N.C. State
• Jerrard Tarrant FS 6'0" 204 Georgia Tech
• Deunta Williams CB 6'2" 205 North Carolina
• Marshall Williams WR 6'1" 188 Wake Forest

Today is going to be a fun day for former Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who is ready to show NFL scouts that the cancer is behind him, and a pro career in front of him.

Former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder decided to throw at the combine, and it's a good thing he did -- he wowed 'em.

Several former ACC players were among the top-five performers at their respective positions in drills this past weekend at the NFL combine, including former UNC receiver Greg Little, who was the top receiver in the bench press (27). Former Miami offensive lineman Orlando Franklin was No. 5 in top 10-yard splits (1.72) and was timed at 5.20 (official) in the 40. ESPN's Scouts Inc. said Franklin was "clearly playing out of position at left tackle" at Miami:

At 6-5 and 316 pounds, he showed just average quickness during drills but did display good short-area lateral agility. He also looked balanced throughout and did a nice job staying low out of his stance during pulling drills. Franklin was clearly playing out of position at left tackle during the college season, but he has the strength and short-area capabilities to be a reliable starter on the inside at the next level.

Former UNC tight end Zack Pianalto finished third in the 3-cone drills (6.85), and former Virginia Tech running back Darren Evans was No.5 in the bench press (26). Former Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott ran the fastest 40 time of any of the running backs.

A few more notes:

• Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor was the shortest quarterback at the combine (6-0 3/4), and Florida State's Christian Ponder was tied for third at 6-foot-2. Former Maryland quarterback Josh Portis, who transferred to California (Pa.), was the lightest quarterback at 211 pounds. Georgia Tech running back Anthony Allen was the second-tallest at his position (6-0 3/4).
• Former Clemson offensive lineman Chris Hairston was tied for second with the most bench press reps by an offensive lineman (33).
• ESPN's John Clayton wasn't impressed with the running backs' speed in this class, including Ryan Williams, who was clocked at 4.55 and 4.59 (unofficial) in the 40-yard dash.
• While his former teammates had good days, UNC defensive end Robert Quinn "did not quite live up to expectations from a body-type standpoint," according to ESPN's Scouts Inc. His lower body was described as "a bit lean and knock-kneed." Ouch.
• Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo had an "adequate 10-yard split (1.79 unofficial) while showing good flexibility and quick feet with his lateral slides."

Many thought the season was over before it even began, but the Tar Heels proved otherwise, becoming bowl eligible despite a roster decimated by injuries and suspensions from a two-pronged NCAA investigation. North Carolina was ranked No. 18 in the preseason Associated Press bowl, but fell out of contention for the Coastal Division after a total of 14 players were lost for at least one game and seven were out for the entire season. Standout defensive tackle Marvin Austin, a projected first-round draft pick at the time, was dismissed from the team, and an 0-2 start had the situation looking bleak. UNC responded with a four-game winning streak that put it in contention to win the division. The obstacles kept coming, though, as tight end Zack Pianalto, the team’s leading receiver, suffered a season-ending broken fibula, and Johnny White, the team’s leading rusher, was lost with a broken clavicle. The season was highlighted by performances from players who might not otherwise have had the chance, like White, and his backup, Anthony Elzy. One thing UNC could not overcome, though, was NC State, as the Tar Heels lost for the fourth straight time to coach Tom O’Brien.

Offensive MVP: Quarterback T.J. Yates. He was one of the most improved players in the conference this year, and his leadership and poise were major reasons the program didn’t suffer on the field as much as it did off of it. Yates ranks second in the league in passing yards, pass efficiency and total offense. He also led the league with a 67.6 percent completion rate. Yates finished the regular season completing 259 of 383 attempts for 3,184 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Defensive MVP: Defensive tackle Quinton Coples. He is the only defensive tackle in the league in the top 10 in both sacks (8.5) and tackles for losses (14.0). He also ranks fourth on the team with 53 tackles and has 10 quarterback pressures.

Turning point: The 17-13 win at Rutgers on Sept. 25 gave the Tar Heels the confidence they needed to know they could win, and it started a four-game winning streak that essentially ensured the program of its third straight bowl appearance. Heading into the game, UNC was ravaged by suspensions and unsure of itself after an 0-2 start.

What’s next: The Tar Heels will face Tennessee in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. It’s the third straight bowl appearance under coach Butch Davis, but his future remains uncertain as the NCAA has yet to impose any sanctions for the university’s academic violations and improper dealings with agents and athletes receiving impermissible benefits. UNC officials so far have voiced their support for Davis.

North Carolina senior tailback Johnny White, the team's leading rusher, fractured his right clavicle (collar bone) in the first half of the Tar Heels’ 37-35 win at Florida State and will miss the rest of the season.

White was leading the team with 720 yards and was Carolina’s third-leading receiver with 24 catches for 288 yards. He currently ranks fourth in the ACC in all-purpose yards (112.0/game) and sixth in rushing (80.0/gm). White finished the year with 130 rushing attempts for 720 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns.

Just when you thought it couldn't get much worse for Butch Davis and his Tar Heels.

Including White, UNC has now had 31 scholarship players miss at least one game this year because of either injury (17) or the NCAA investigations (14), including 19 defensive players. That's like a whole FCS team. On offense, the Tar Heels have now lost their starting tight end (Zack Pianalto) and tailback for the season. Pianalto was leading the team in receptions and receiving yards when he fractured his right fibula in the win at Virginia.

And yet you still can't count these guys out.

North Carolina stunned Florida State on its home field this past weekend, and is still in the Coastal Division race heading into Saturday's game against Virginia Tech. Just because White is out, doesn't mean the Tar Heels are.

Trick or treat, ACC fans? I’ve got a little of both for you today in this Halloween edition of the ACC blog. Here are this year’s spookiest awards as we wrap up the final weekend of October:

Scary movie: Virginia Tech’s loss to James Madison. It was a nightmare for the Hokies, who fell to an FCS school for the first time since losing to Richmond in 1985. To make matters worse, it happened in Lane Stadium, which has earned the reputation as one of the toughest places to play in college football. Apparently, not for the Dukes.

Nightmare on Franklin Street: Things couldn’t get much worse for North Carolina, which has had 16 players’ seasons derailed because of the NCAA investigation and now has suffered through a rash of injuries to key players. It all finally added up in a 33-10 loss to Miami that stopped the Heels’ four-game winnings streak and hurt their chances of contending for the Coastal Division title.

Boo (Boo): Take your pick on the worst injury of the season. Two season-ending injuries occurred this month, when Boston College defensive end Alex Albright – the Eagles’ top pass rusher – broke his fibula, UNC tight end Zack Pianalto’s season ended with a fractured right fibula at the ankle, and Maryland offensive lineman Pete DeSouza was in intensive care after breaking both of his legs in a motor scooter accident.

The Great Pumpkin: The toughest second half of the season belongs to Virginia Tech, which still has to face Georgia Tech on Thursday night, followed by back-to-back road trips to North Carolina and Miami before ending the season against rival Virginia.

Night of the living dead: Clemson earns the award for the team that got off to a slow start but is coming back to life. The Tigers are making a habit out of it, as they started 2-3 last year before winning the Atlantic Division title. They can take another step in that direction on Saturday against a Boston College team that hasn’t won since Sept. 11.

Cursed team: Wake Forest. The Deacs lost to two option teams in back-to-back weeks in the final minute of the game. Georgia Tech quarterback Joshua Nesbitt threw the game-winning touchdown pass with 15 seconds remaining for a 24-20 comeback win, and Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs threw another game-winner with 26 seconds remaining for a 28-27 win.

Graveyard: Duke, Virginia and Boston College are all winless in conference play. As far as their division races are concerned? Bury ‘em.

Defending Atlantic Division champ Clemson, North Carolina and defending ACC champ Georgia Tech all have two conference losses each, but they also still have an opportunity to reverse their fortunes in the ACC race. Not all of them, though, can pull it off.

Here's how they rank in terms of their chances at making a comeback:

1. Clemson. The Tigers still have to play NC State and take a road trip to Florida State -- the top two teams in the Atlantic Division -- but they've got a few things going for them. Most importantly, they've got the No. 22 scoring defense in the country, holding opponents to an average of 18.43 points. The Tigers also have a veteran quarterback in Kyle Parker and a standout running back in Andre Ellington. If they can continue to make strides in the passing game, they'll be a more complete team.

2. Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets only have half the equation: They can run the ball, but they can't stop the run very well. That will be a problem against Virginia Tech. The first year in defensive coordinator Al Groh's 3-4 system has been average at best. Special teams play was a disaster in the loss at Clemson and has been an issue all season. And they miss receiver Demaryius Thomas more than anybody probably thought they would.

3. North Carolina. Against Miami, the injuries and suspensions were finally too much to overcome. The loss of injured tight end Zack Pianalto will prove costly down the stretch and it only got worse against the Canes. The depleted roster won't be able to match the loaded lineups of Florida State and Virginia Tech.

UNC senior tight end Zack Pianalto had surgery on Friday to repair his fractured right fibula. Pianalto, who will miss the remainder of the season, finished his Carolina career with 95 catches for 918 yards and three touchdowns. His 95 career catches are the most ever by a UNC tight end.

UNC senior tight end Zack Pianalto fractured his right fibula at the ankle joint in Saturday’s 44-10 victory at Virginia and will miss the remainder of the regular season. He will undergo additional evaluation this week to determine if surgery is required. Pianalto currently leads the Tar Heels with 30 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown. Last season, Pianalto set the school record for most receptions by a tight end with 33. He also holds the school record for most career receptions by a tight end with 94.

This is so unfortunate for Pianalto, who just could not stay healthy during his career at UNC. Last year he suffered a subtalar dislocation of his right foot at Connecticut and missed five straight games. Not before he had a career-high seven catches and 87 yards that day, though. And in 2008, he missed the Virginia and Boston College games with a right ankle injury.

You wonder why T.J. Yates suddenly looks so much better? It helps when the players around him are healthy. Pianalto is a complete tight end who helped the Tar Heels in both the running and passing games. He's a good blocker and should get a shot at the next level if his durability isn't an issue (which it obviously is).

The Tar Heels will now turn to senior Ed Barham and backup Nelson Hurst. Barham started six games last year and finished with six catches for 57 yards. Hurst transferred from Mississippi State, where he started 10 games as a freshman, prior to the start of the 2009 season and sat out under NCAA transfer rules. His younger brother, James, is an offensive lineman for the Heels.

The bottom line is that neither of them have the experience or production of Pianalto.

North Carolina lost its leading receiver, Greg Little, to the NCAA investigation before the season ever started. Now they lost their leading pass-catcher again. So far, UNC has been able to overcome almost every blow it's been dealt, but this one should leave a noticeable bruise on Carolina's offense.

About 10 days before North Carolina kicked off its season opener against LSU in the Georgia Dome, UNC coach Butch Davis told his players that the team they had on Sept. 4 could be the one they finished the season with, so get used to it.

That team was without 13 players, including seven starters on defense.

This team -- the one that is riding a three-game winning streak into Virginia, where it hasn’t won since 1981 -- is missing a total of seven players to the ongoing NCAA investigation.

The Tar Heels have since welcomed back two starters in the secondary in Deunta Williams and Da’Norris Searcy, and have learned that defensive tackle Marvin Austin, defensive end Robert Quinn, and receiver Greg Little are no longer with the team. While the two-pronged NCAA investigation into possible academic misconduct and improper contact with agents continues, there does seem to be a sense of closure now that the Tar Heels are sure they won’t have three of their best players from 2009.

“I think that (athletic director Dick) Baddour on Monday alluded to the fact that as painful as this was, as disappointing as this was, it does move us closer to closure,” Davis said. “A lot of the speculation on a lot of the kids who have been involved in some of this review, a lot of it has already been resolved. Certainly a lot of kids are already back playing, and some, the outcome of whether or not they’re going to play or not play has already been resolved. With these three kids, it does move us considerably closer. I don’t know a particular time frame, but I know Mr. Baddour is optimistic we are getting close to final decisions on all the players who have been affected by this. Hopefully that will happen pretty soon.”

At this point, though, the Tar Heels have managed to live -- and win -- with the players they have. In fact, some of UNC’s backups who have been elevated to starting roles -- like tailback Johnny White -- have proven to be as good if not better than some other starters throughout the rest of the conference. UNC has used 14 first-time starters this year, but at the midpoint of the season, they’re rookies no more.

The loss of Little has been compensate for with the help of tight end Zack Pianalto, White’s ability to catch out of the backfield, and Erik Highsmith and Jheranie Boyd. White has also carried the offense in the absence of running back Ryan Houston. Defensively, the Tar Heels have filled the gaps Austin and Quinn left behind with help from Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell. Matt Merletti became an impact player at free safety, which featured four new starters against LSU.

“I am very proud the way our coaches and players have fought through the adversity, the way that they’re playing,” Davis said.

He should be. While the investigation isn’t over, either is the season, and North Carolina still has something to play for with the team it has.

Happy Labor Day! Terps and Hokies take center stage ...

• Maryland's 2-10 record is part of the team's identity as it heads into its opener against Navy, but a win would help change that.
• It's only the first game, but there's already a lot on the line for Virginia Tech.
• Maryland and Navy have played just once over the past 44 years, despite being just 30 miles apart. Might this be the start of a real rivalry?
• Here are a few bonus observations from Virginia's win against Richmond.
• Three things to watch in tonight's game at FedEx Field.
• Virginia Tech has lost at least once in September in each of the past four seasons. Can the Hokies stop that trend?
• Clemson's defense? Pretty offensive, if you ask Dabo Swinney.
• BC quarterback Dave Shinskie is still the Eagles' starter heading into Kent State, but coach Frank Spaziani wants -- and needs -- to see more improvement.
• UNC tight end Zack Pianalto deserves some high praise for the way he handled his disappointing end to the LSU game.
• Check out the picture: UNC defensive tackle Marvin Austin is sticking out like a sore thumb these days -- almost as if he's trying to. Austin won't be practicing.
• Was former UNC assistant John Blake receiving money from agents? Apparently, it's a complicated question to answer.
• Miami running back Graig Cooper made good on his promise to return by the season opener.
• FSU's impending trip to Oklahoma will tell us a lot more about where the Noles stand under Jimbo Fisher.

Earlier this month I compiled a list of all of the ACC candidates who have been nominated for college football's major awards. A few more have since been released, so I figured it was time for an updated version. This one includes the Lou Groza Award, the Butkus Award, the John Mackey Award, and Doak Walker Award.

Here is the updated list:

BEDNARIK AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.

• Marvin Austin, North Carolina
• Allen Bailey, Miami
• Kendric Burney, North Carolina
• Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
• Brandon Harris, Miami
• Mark Herzlich, Boston College
• Luke Kuechly, Boston College
• Colin McCarthy, Miami
• DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
• Robert Quinn, North Carolina
• Alex Wujciak, Maryland

BILETNIKOFF AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding wide receiver by the Tallahassee QB Club Foundation.

• Leonard Hankerson, Miami
• Marshall Williams, Wake Forest
• Jarvis Williams, NC State
• Donovan Varner, Duke
• Owen Spencer, NC State
• Torrey Smith, Maryland
• Bert Reed, Florida State
• Greg Little, North Carolina

BUTKUS AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding linebacker by the Butkus Foundation

• Bruce Carter, North Carolina
• Mark Herzlich, Boston College
• Nate Irving, NC State
• Luke Kuechly, Boston College
• Colin McCarthy, Miami
• Adrian Moten, Maryland
• Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
• Sean Spence, Miami
• Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
• Alex Wujciak, Maryland

DOAK WALKER AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding running back by the SMU Athletic Forum

• Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech
• Darren Evans, Virginia Tech
• Montel Harris, Boston College
• Da'Rel Scott, Maryland
• Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

LOU GROZA AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding kicker by the Palm Beach Sports Commission

• Casey Barth, North Carolina
• Matt Bosher, Miami
• Dustin Hopkins, Florida State
• Robert Randolph, Virginia
• Will Snyderwine, Duke

JOHN MACKEY AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding tight end by the Nassau County Sports Commission

• Dwayne Allen, Clemson
• George Bryan, NC State
• Brett Huffman, Duke
• Zack Pianalto, North Carolina

MAXWELL AWARD: The Maxwell Award has been presented to the outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of sportswriter Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell.

• Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech
• Jacory Harris, Miami
• Montel Harris, Boston College
• Joshua Nesbitt, Georgia Tech
• Kyle Parker, Clemson
• Christian Ponder, Florida State
• Da'Rel Scott, Maryland
• Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
• Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
• Russell Wilson, NC State

WALTER CAMP AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding player by the Walter Camp Foundation.

• Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
• Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY: Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player by the Charlotte TD Club.

• Marvin Austin, North Carolina
• Allen Bailey, Miami
• Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
• Bruce Carter, North Carolina
• Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
• Brandon Harris, Miami
• Mark Herzlich, Boston College
• Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson
• Luke Kuechly, Boston College
• DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
• Robert Quinn, North Carolina
• Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
• Alex Wujciak, Maryland

DAVEY O'BRIEN AWARD: Presented to the nation's best quarterback by the Davey O'Brien Foundation.

• Jacory Harris, Miami
• Joshua Nesbitt, Georgia Tech
• Christian Ponder, Florida State
• Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
• Russell Wilson, NC State

OUTLAND TROPHY: Presented to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman by the FWAA.

• Marvin Austin, North Carolina
• Sean Bedford, Georgia Tech
• Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
• Thomas Claiborne, Boston College
• Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech
• Marcus Forston, Miami
• Orlando Franklin, Miami
• Rodney Hudson, Florida State
• Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson
• Ryan McMahon, Florida State
• Alan Pelc, North Carolina

JIM THORPE AWARD: Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive back by the Jim Thorpe Association.

• Kendrick Burney, North Carolina
• Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech
• Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
• Brandon Harris, Miami
• DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
• Deunta Williams, North Carolina

The 2010 John Mackey Award preseason watch list has been released by the Nassau County Sports Commission. Given annually to the best collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2010 John Mackey winner will be announced on December 9, 2010. Here are the ACC's candidates:

• Dwayne Allen, Clemson
• George Bryan, NC State
• Brett Huffman, Duke
• Zack Pianalto, North Carolina

North Carolina senior tight end Zack Pianalto knows where coach Butch Davis is coming from -- literally.

They share family roots in Springdale, Ark., where Davis’ parents still live. In fact, Pianalto said his parents live within a 10-minute jog to the Davis house, and that connection was one of the factors that swayed Pianalto in his decision to decommit from Texas during his recruiting process.

Of course, Davis’ history of producing some of the nation’s top tight ends at Miami didn’t hurt either. This year, Pianalto has the chance to join that group. When he’s healthy -- and he should finally be 100 percent this season for the first time since his freshman year -- Pianalto can add more than just blocking to the Tar Heels’ scheme. In an offense that’s dependent upon the quick growth of young receivers, Pianalto has an opportunity to become a key part of the passing game along with receiver Greg Little. If Pianalto can double his production this season, expect to see UNC’s offense take a much needed leap.

“I think it’s pretty important,” Pianalto said of his pass-catching abilities. “I think me, Greg and T.J. [Yates] all have a great rapport together. T.J. can throw to me or Greg and feel very comfortable doing it. I had 33 catches last year through roughly seven full games. … If you look at that, it’s pretty plausible to think I could go out and get possibly get 50 catches this year, and Greg had 60-some, so if that number stays consistent, I think the offense will improve and get better with the two of us in there.

“But we do have great talent around Greg and me. The young receivers need to come along and they did last year. You’d like to see significant growth in their second year. Experience is one of the key things in winning in college football.”

Pianalto had a career-best 334 yards and a touchdown last year, but dislocated his foot against Connecticut, and in his first game back against Florida State, he suffered a mild concussion before returning the following week against Virginia Tech. He also broke his left leg during his sophomore season while scoring a touchdown against Georgia Tech.

When he plays, though, the Tar Heels tend to win. UNC is 13-5 over the past two seasons when Pianalto is on the field. He has become a favorite target for Yates on third down, and last year he set the school single-season record for receptions by a tight end (33) despite missing nearly four games with his foot injury.

In order for UNC to make a push for the Coastal Division crown, Pianalto will have to maintain his success, but it’s not the only part of the equation.

“It’s pretty simple,” Pianalto said. “We’re going to be as good as we take care of the ball. Turnovers is the biggest issue in winning any football game. If we go in there and have less turnovers than the other team, we’re pretty confident our defense will create some turnovers and we’ll win a lot of games and we’ll be productive.”

NORTH CAROLINA

2009 overall record: 8-5

2009 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 10, defense: 9, punter/kicker 2

Top returners

WR Greg Little, QB T.J. Yates, TB Shaun Draughn, TE Zack Pianalto, DE Robert Quinn, DT Marvin Austin, LB Quan Sturdivant, LB Bruce Carter, CB Kendrick Burney, S Deunta Williams, S Da’Norris Searcy, CB Charles Brown

Key losses

OT Kyle Jolly, DE E.J. Wilson, DT Cam Thomas

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Ryan Houston* (713 yards)

Passing: Yates* (2,136 yds)

Receiving: Little* (724 yds)

Tackles: Sturdivant* (79)

Sacks: Quinn* (11)

Interceptions: Williams* (6)

Spring answers

1. Offensive line potential. There were signs this spring that UNC fans can expect the offensive line to be better -– as long as everyone stays healthy. Center Jonathan Cooper started nine games as a freshman last year, guard Alan Pelc will be a three-year starter, Carl Gaskins has drawn rave reviews the past two years, and Travis Bond played well in his start against Pitt’s physical defensive line in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

2. Little leader. After the success he had last season cementing his position as the team’s top receiver, Greg Little took more ownership of an offense that needs it. His success carried over to spring drills, and it’s clear he’ll be the leader of a group that returns its top 13 receivers from a year ago.

3. Draughn back on top. He was injured in the ninth game and missed the rest of the season, but reasserted himself as the main man this spring with Houston out to concentrate on his academics. (Houston wasn’t suspended, he just needed some extra time to focus). Draughn appears to be the likely starter heading into the fall.

Fall questions

1. The Yates debate. It’s one of the biggest questions in the conference this season: Will rookie Bryn Renner unseat Yates as the starter? Coach Butch Davis has said that Renner will play against LSU, but how much and when is anybody’s guess. Odds are it would take a remarkable performance by Renner in summer camp or an injury to Yates for him to lose his job before the season opener.

2. Overall offensive improvement. How much better can the offense be? It has to be better than 108th in the country in total offense. The Tar Heels have got to run the ball better, no matter who the quarterback is. There are no longer three freshmen on the offensive line, and if everyone stays healthy, that leaves no more excuses.

3. Defensive line tweaks. Even one of the most talented defenses in the country has a few holes to fill, and it’s up front for the Tar Heels, were defensive end E.J. Wilson and tackle Cam Thomas have to be replaced. Tydreke Powell is the frontrunner to take over at tackle and Quinton Coples and Michael McAdoo will continue to compete this summer. McAdoo had four sacks and an interception in the spring game, a performance that kept him in the conversation.