Gramlich and Mac Lain: Previewing North Carolina football in 2021

ACC Network’s Kelly Gramlich and Eric Mac Lain break down everything ACC football in on their podcast “Gramlich & Mac Lain.” On their most recent episode, the duo previewed North Carolina football in 2021.

To start, the two look back on North Carolina’s 2020 season, which ended in an Orange Bowl loss to Texas A&M, and how the Tar Heels can build upon the previous season.

“I think the main story point here for North Carolina, before we dive into offense and defense, is how much of a step forward can they take,” Gramlich says. “For me, that is, can you avoid the Florida State loss, can you avoid the Virginia loss…You’ve got to be able to beat the teams you’re supposed to beat”

Both Gramlich and Mac Lain think this is the time for North Carolina to elevate to the level of contending for the ACC Championship.

2021 is expected to be quarterback Sam Howell’s last season of college football as he’s projected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft. For Howell, the two believe the next step for him is positive team results to go along with his gaudy stats.

Elsewhere on the offense, wide receiver Josh Downs will be heavily relied upon alongside Tennessee transfer running back Ty Chandler.

“Josh Downs is going to be on an All-ACC team,” Mac Lain said. “Probably first team when it’s all said and done with the stats that I predict he’s going to have.”

Mac Lain also touched on Emery Simmons, Khafre Brown and Beau Corrales in the wide receiver room. He added he liked what he saw from North Carolina’s younger weapons like freshman JJ Jones.

Ty Chandler was the biggest offseason addition for the Tar Heels from Tennessee. The running back was described as a perfect combination of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, North Carolina’s two-back tandem from 2020 that were both drafted in the spring.

The depth at running back behind Chandler remains a concern heading into the season.

The two close on the offensive side of the ball discussing how the North Carolina offensive line can improve on a 2020 season that saw them give up 2.8 sacks per game.

On the defensive side, North Carolina lost their quarterback of the defense in Chazz Surratt and will look to make a jump this season.

Mac Lain believes this defense will be much improved from last season, comparing the Tar Heels’ defensive development to Clemson’s, building from the defensive line out. He highlights outside linebacker Desmond Evans and defensive linemen Jahvaree Ritzie, Myles Murphy and Keeshawn Silver as young players that could be names to know.

Mac Lain also highlighted junior linebacker Eugene Asante and cornerback Tony Grimes. Both Mac Lain and Gramlich are high on North Carolina’s secondary.

The two close with their prediction for the Tar Heels’ season and their thoughts on the expected win total.

(CLICK HERE to listen to the newest episode of Gramlich & Mac Lain)

On this episode, Gramlich and Mac Lain also preview Clemson. They open praising quarterback DJ Uiagelelei, who they think is in for a big year. They touch on the offensive weapons, led by Justyn Ross and freshman phenom Will Shipley. Defensively, the two touch on Clemson’s stacked defensive line, veteran linebacker corp and the secondary. They close with their thoughts on the expected win total for Clemson and the season outlook. On the North Carolina side, The duo talk about how North Carolina can build on last year’s Orange Bowl loss, Sam Howell’s final season, replacing Dyami Brown and the offensive weapons to know, like wide receiver Josh Downs. On the defensive side, Mac Lain highlights young players that North Carolina has landed in recruiting that could be difference-makers and the two discuss what should be a much-improved secondary for the Tar Heels. The two close with their thoughts on the expected win total for North Carolina.