Colleges

UM position by position

By MICHAEL SNYDER, Times correspondent
Published August 31, 2007

Quarterbacks

The days of being known as "Quarterback U" seem long, long ago. Senior Kyle Wright was the starter a year ago, before injuring his thumb. That opened the door for junior Kirby Freeman, who did little to show he was better, or worse, than Wright. Coach Randy Shannon didn't name a starter until this week, so both may get a crack. Both possess strong arms, with Wright showing superior accuracy. Freeman has the added ability to scramble, while Wright has completed 59.5 percent of his passes, which is third on UM's all-time list. Shannon has said he believes he has two No.1 quarterbacks, which likely isn't comforting to 'Canes fans.

Running backs

Javarris James is coming off a stellar freshman campaign that saw him lead the team in rushing (4.6 yards per carry). But he's being pushed by freshman Graig Cooper, who has drawn the most raves of any player this summer. Senior Charlie Jones has had a lousy fall. Shannon was overheard during one practice telling Jones "that's why you're where you're at." Jerrell Mabry appears to have locked up the fullback job.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Sophomores Sam Shields and Ryan Hill are the best hope to help bolster the passing attack. Shields' 37 catches last year were the most by a freshman since Reggie Wayne in 1997. Senior Lance Leggett led UM with 594 yards (on 38 catches) and tied for first with four TDs. Darnell Jenkins, who tore his ACL three games into last season, returns for a fifth year after the NCAA granted him a medical redshirt. At tight end, Richard Gordon is the favorite to replace Greg Olsen.

Offensive line

Jason Fox and Reggie Youngblood are expected to man the tackles with Derrick Morse and Andrew Bain at guard. Morse has lined up some at center, the biggest hole on the line. Sophomore A.J. Trump is likely to start at center. Tackle Chris Rutledge is the best of the reserves and will see plenty of action.

Defensive line

The core of ends Calais Campbell and Eric Moncur and tackles Antonio Dixon and Teraz McCray should be one of the nation's best. Depth is a bit of an issue though, especially at tackle.

Linebackers

Things looked good with Glenn Cook, Tavares Gooden and Darryl Sharpton set and Colin McCarthy and Spencer Adkins as the top backups. But Cook and Sharpton were injured this summer and Cook likely will be out the first four weeks. And Romeo Davis was lost for the season before fall practice began.

Defensive backs

The secondary returns almost intact from last year with the notable exception of Brandon Meriweather, who has moved on to the New England Patriots. Kenny Phillips (71 tackles, 4 interceptions) and Lovon Ponder will start at the safety positions. Randy Phillips, UM's latest star in the secondary, and Glenn Sharpe will man the corners.

Special teams

It appears as if redshirt freshman Matt Bosher will be the new punter, but the placekicking competition between Bosher and junior Daren Daly got much more interesting when the NCAA granted walk-on Franceso Zampogna an extra year of eligibility.

Michael Snyder, Times correspondent

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 10:16:35]