Mack Brown gives multiple names of potential playmakers behind Josh Downs

Josh Downs is primed to play a big role once again for North Carolina in 2022, especially as the preseason honors continue to roll in. But who steps up behind him?

Tar Heels coach Mack Brown listed a few different playmakers on the roster — all for different reasons.

Downs had a huge year last season, totaling 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns to cement himself as a key target in the North Carolina offense. Brown said he’s seen plenty of others step up through training camp and there are opportunities for them to step into roles behind Downs this season.

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“All three tight ends, for different reasons,” Brown said. “[Bryson] Nesbit’s the best receiver because he’s faster, but the other two can really catch. I really am excited about the camp that Kobe Paysour and Gavin Blackwell have had. Gavin’s really fast. Kobe’s a very good player. JJ Jones is big and strong. I think Dre Greene at some point will be a potential superstar. He’s big and fast. So how long will it take those guys to come?

“And then Caleb Hood’s had some outstanding moments. He’s just had trouble staying healthy. We’ve told him, we can’t coach you if you can’t stay healthy because we’re putting so much time and energy into somebody and then you get hurt, and we’ve wasted all the snaps that somebody else could get. George Pettaway is really fast and he has been here 15 days in the spring and this fall camp. So you’re really a second-year player when you go through spring. Omarion [Hampton] just got here. He’s really fast, big, strong, he’s done some really impressive things. How fast can you get him ready to play when he’s been here a month? And how will those guys respond when they walk out there?”

Mack Brown announces Drake Maye as UNC starting quarterback

Drake Maye and Jacolby Criswell have been battling for UNC’s starting quarterback job all offseason long. Now, a decision has been made.

In a press conference on Aug. 22, UNC head coach Mack Brown revealed that Maye will be under center for UNC’s opening drive of the season. Brown went on to say that both Maye and Criswell could see time at quarterback for UNC, and that the player who is moving the ball better will be on the field. But when the Tar Heels host Florida A&M on Saturday night during Week 0, Maye will get the first chance to lead the offense.

The competition was a tight one as the Tar Heels look to adjust to life without Sam Howell.