Tell us if you haven’t heard this before, but North Carolina will be looking to replace their entire unit of wide receivers from 2016.
That is the case for head coach Larry Fedora and his staff, as the Tar Heels only return 28 percent of their receiving yardage returns from this past season. UNC loses four of their top five receivers from 2016, including do it all Ryan Switzer and two big-time targets in Bug Howard and Mack Hollins.
Austin Proehl is really the only returning receiver that has true game experience, recording 43 receptions, 597 yards, and three touchdowns. Proehl obviously fits the mold of what Switzer provided for the Heels, that quick, elusive, chain moving type receiver.
After that though, North Carolina will be looking for new names to step up and produce. Two sophomores to watch are Anthony Ratliff-Williams and Juval Mollette. Ratliff-Williams, a quarterback at the high school level, has received much game-like action, as well as Mollette. However, Mollette is a 6-foot-4 big time target that showcased what he could do at the Spring Game, recording three touchdowns.
However, that also won’t be the only names to keep an eye on in Chapel Hill along the outside, as junior Josh Cabrera, junior Jordan Cunningham, and several other young prospects will be looked upon to provide depth.
The tight end position is another one to watch for. The Tar Heels have found success in physical, athletic tight ends and Brandon Fritts could be the next one up. The junior is a 6-foot-4 prospect that certainly has the hands and speed, to along with the size to be a prime target throughout the middle. Also keep a look out for Carl Tucker, another big target that did receive some game action last season.
