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Top 5 Instant Impact Freshmen

  • http://northcarolina.247sports.com/Article/5-Instant-Impact-71701

    Larry Fedora said on Wednesday that there’s a good chance “a lot” of freshmen will likely compete for playing time this season. Who are the 5 most likely to see the field?

    This post has been edited 2 times, most recently by Jon Leggette on 4/26/2012 at 1:04 PM

    JLeggette@247sports.com http://twitter.com/JLeg247 youtube.com/CarolinaBlueDotCom

    Jon Leggette

  • I really like the potential of Quinshad Davis & Kendrick Singleton to see the field early. Big targets at a position of need and both are thought of extremely highly by the staff.

    Thought about adding Kedrick Davis as a kick returner because of his speed but I think guys like Todd Harrelson, T.J. Thorpe, Reggie Wilkins and Sean Tapley will man the kick/punt return positions.

    Could have also had Justin Thomason over Jessie Rogers because both will get a chance to see time at DE even if injuries don't happen.

    Physically, Phillip Williamson, Nathan Staub, Dan Mastromatteo could very easily see the field on special teams right away because they have great size already. However, I don't see any of them beating out the incumbents for playing time.

    I'm intrigued about the prospects of Malik Simmons and T.J. Jiles especially who I think will be a dynamite cornerback in Chapel Hill although I think we'll start to see them come on after a redshirt season. Combos of Scott, Price, Shankle, Dixon and Jackson should be able to get the team through the season.

    All of this is just one man's somewhat educated opinion......Thoughts?

    This post was edited by Jon Leggette on 4/26/2012 at 1:27 PM

    JLeggette@247sports.com http://twitter.com/JLeg247 youtube.com/CarolinaBlueDotCom

    Jon Leggette

  • Nice choices, it would be hard to pick just 5. I think Damien Washington and Kedrick Davis would difficult not to choose, but taking two off your list would be hard.

    JP4UNC

  • Both Washington and Davis are so raw as wide outs that it's hard to put them on the list. I could see either or both starting as A-backs.

    Washington's future might also be on defense if offensive doesn't workout for whatever reason. I could definitely see him growing into the Ram position with another 20-pounds or so.

    JLeggette@247sports.com http://twitter.com/JLeg247 youtube.com/CarolinaBlueDotCom

    Jon Leggette

  • Nice list Jon. I think you're 5 is pretty spot on. As you said...I'm sure there will be plenty of freshman given an opportunity to play but outside of special teams...I just don't see many making an impact outside of Q. Davis and Singleton...barring any injuries of course.

    Blueepedemic

  • D. Washington could end up being the best of the bunch...like Brandon Tate the kid just knows how to run after the catch and make people miss!!

    scoutsupreme

  • You think Heaven will go ahead of Smiley? I really liked what I saw from him in the Spring game.

    TheBlackFalcon

  • I like Q and Singleton and Rogers and I think Mattsromatteo and Williamson will push to be on the Depth chart. I also like Staub and them two n special teams. I think the secondary will be competetive regardless, Could just be how the coach wants to approach it. Good choices Jon! IMO

    snuca

  • TheBlackFalcon said...

    You think Heaven will go ahead of Smiley? I really liked what I saw from him in the Spring game.

    No but I think he's got a very good chance to beat out D.J. Bunn.

    JLeggette@247sports.com http://twitter.com/JLeg247 youtube.com/CarolinaBlueDotCom

    Jon Leggette

  • DJ Bunn is a bust,,,,,I agree that Stauab may be the biggest sleeper in the long run...surprised he stuck actually

    scoutsupreme

  • I think MastroMatteo is the sleeper. He just knew how to make big plays in H.S. and plays faster than his test speeds in game situations. I think Joe Jackson to if he has added a lil wait could push at the Ram for being in the Depth chart. He is a great cover linebacker from what i saw and heard. Nice call on Staub though he will be gritty and tough. Some good battles between him and Mastromatteo coming in the future for position I suspect!

    snuca

  • scoutsupreme said...

    DJ Bunn is a bust,,,,,I agree that Stauab may be the biggest sleeper in the long run...surprised he stuck actually

    Bunn is likely a mostly special teams player. Really wondering how much he'll actually see the field the rest of his career at UNC.

    Staub is a guy who was likely going to play fullback had Butch still been around. Lateral quickness and overall speed is a definite question with him and he can't carry any more weight.

    JLeggette@247sports.com http://twitter.com/JLeg247 youtube.com/CarolinaBlueDotCom

    Jon Leggette