The wide receiver ground gets covered for like the 106th time. However, the running back situation might invite more attention than previously thought as Giglio points out:
What’s the hierarchy at running back?
Shaun Draughn’s 866 yards say he’s “The Guy” — and so does Davis — but his four fumbles in the final three games, including the costly one late in the bowl loss to West Virginia, say there’s an opening for both junior Ryan Houston, a short-yardage specialist, and explosive freshman Jamal Womble to get more reps.
Once again, if you go back to Davis’ track record at Miami, he’s not afraid to use multiple running backs. If Womble can pick up the blocking schemes, Draughn’s carries (198 in ‘08) could take a hit.
After only two years of Butch Davis, the astute Tar Heel fan knows that he is not afraid to use anyone, anywhere and at any time. Remember Greg Little was “the guy” last season but disappointed and was shuffled to the overcrowded receiving corps. Shaun Draughan appeared to make serious strides towards possibly being one of those Tar Heel RBs of old, but Giglio is correct, the three fumbles in the final four games are a huge red flag. Not only did it give West Virginia new life but it was the proverbial snowball at the top of the mountain against NC State that eventually rolled down the slope and become the 41-10 bohemeth Wolfpack fans toss at us every chance they get.
If Draughan continues to put the ball on the ground, Ryan Houston could get some daylight to show he can do more than just bust over the goal line. However Jamal Womble could end up being the bigger beneficiary if he proves himself to be a capable runner. The bottom line is UNC has talent in the backfield and should be effective running the ball. Efficacy in the passing game is only necessary to balance the offense. With a solid defense coming back, if the running game can chew yards and eat clock, the Heels could control games without the wide receiver uncertainty even being a thought.
