Tar Heels Forced to Adapt Due to Injuries
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Just two weeks into the season, North Carolina has already lost several key players to injury.
Among the sidelined players are quarterback Max Johnson, center Austin Blaske, outside linebacker Kaimon Rucker, and running back Darwin Barlow.
Johnson suffered a season-ending broken leg during the opener against Minnesota after being hit on a blitz. Blaske, Rucker, and Barlow are dealing with lower-body injuries but are expected to return in the coming weeks, according to Head Coach Mack Brown.
“We’ve emphasized the next man up,” said Coach Brown. “These guys don’t have time to grow up; they’re growing up right now and by the time they get on the field.”
In their 38-20 win over UNC-Charlotte last Saturday, the team rotated through 75 players, fully embracing the ‘next man up’ approach.
Young players like running back Davion Gause and linebacker Amare Campbell stepped up, earning offensive and defensive player of the game honors. Gause scored his first collegiate touchdown and had a 100-yard game, while Campbell notched seven tackles and a sack. Both players have been mentored by veterans and are being prepared to share the load with the first-stringers.
With so many new faces on the field, there were plenty of positives.
“I’m really happy with our running game,” Brown said. “Despite missing our top two running backs, we rushed for 269 yards, showing we’re playing physically.”
He also praised the defense: “I’m thrilled we’re stopping the run. We gave up only 49 rushing yards and rank 16th nationally, which is something we’ve aimed for over the past five years.”
The Tar Heels were also 6-for-11 on third and fourth downs, a clear improvement from last season. However, there are still areas to work on.
“We had too many pre-snap penalties, and I’m not sure why,” Brown said. He also emphasized the need for more turnovers, noting the team missed at least three opportunities.
North Carolina looks to address these issues against NC Central this weekend, a team they are expected to outperform. In Rucker’s absence, sophomores Tyler Thompson and Jaybron Harvey alternated at the jack position. While Coach Brown was proud of their effort, he noted they need to make game-changing plays.
Zach Greenberg, stepping in for the injured Blaske, made his first FBS start against Charlotte after honing his skills for three years at Division III Muhlenberg College.
“With a new offensive line and losing your center in the first quarter, the team still pushed forward,” Brown said.
Coach Brown’s long-standing goal of building depth across three positions has been fast-tracked by these injuries. The situation has forced younger players to step up, accelerating their development and strengthening the team’s resilience. Brown views this challenge as an opportunity for growth, both individually and collectively, which aligns with his coaching philosophy.
“I’ve always believed that pressure is a privilege,” Brown said. “It means someone trusts you, and you should take pride in that instead of feeling the pressure.”
