No real surprises here. It appears redshirt freshman Jonathan Cooper has won a starting spot on the offensive line underscoring the thin nature of that unit as well as the uncertainty.
For now, Charles Brown has beaten out Jordan Hemby for the right to start opposite Kendric Burney at corner. Zach Brown is listed ahead of Kevin Reddick at the Will Linebacker slot but based on training camp reports, that could change. Johnny White and Da'Norris Searcy has been tabbed as the kickoff and punt returners respectively. Brandon Tate made these two spots very dangerous a year ago before an injury took him out for the season. White did some time last season in relief for Tate returning kickoffs. Searcy will be trying his hand at it for the first time. Hopefully these two can make some things happen which was not the case after Tate went out.
A quick rundown of the skills positions on offense: T.J. Yates at QB, Shaun Draughan at TB followed by Ryan Houston. Greg Little will start at one of the WR spots with Dwight Jones ahead of Joshua Adams at the other. White will backup Little.
It is interesting to note that Mike Paulus apparently has not won the QB backup slot outright. A nice "OR" is listed after his name meaning that Branden Hansen is at least in the mix to take snaps should T.J. Yates get injured. Of course Davis has played this game before in an effort to motivate players by not allowing them to rest on their laurels. Since the Heels will be feasting on a pair of I-AA teams this season, one would think that Butch Davis would give Paulus and Hansen some snaps.