Young UNC offensive line matures

Senior left tackle James Hurst has seen North Carolina’s young offensive line grow throughout the season — as steadily as his no-shave, all-season beard.

“Early on, it was slow,” Hurst said. “I think we were a pretty big part of the team’s struggle overall. But I think now they have some confidence, and they’ve definitely been playing better, and I think they’ve definitely been part of why we’ve won four games in a row and turned the season around.”

The Tar Heels (5-5, 4-3 ACC) have relied heavily on redshirt freshmen Caleb Peterson, at left guard, and Jon Heck, at right guard, along the line all season. UNC has thrown true freshman Lucas Crowley into the mix as well, playing him at center to make up for an injured Peterson in UNC’s 34-27 win at Pittsburgh.

“Typically up front on the O-line, that would be the last place you’d expect a freshman to play, and we’ve got a freshman and two redshirt freshmen,” Offensive Coordinator Blake Anderson said. “It’s not ideal, but for those guys to play, and honestly to play as well as they have played at times is probably pretty rare from that position.”

UNC has had no choice but to lead a youth movement after linemen Jonathan Cooper, Brennan Williams and Travis Bond all left for the NFL after last season. Hurst and junior center Russell Bodine were left as the veteran voices on the line, and though both said UNC still has a way to go, there are signs the O-line is moving in the right direction.

The Tar Heels had their first 200-yard rushing game of the season two weeks ago against Virginia, which is always the goal, Hurst said. And, overall, the UNC offense is averaging 153 rushing yards per game in its last four games after averaging 101 in its first six.

“Obviously, it starts up front,” Anderson said. “As I’ve said all year, it’s going to be a week to week, little by little progression, but the running backs are starting to see holes better. We’ve gotten into a rhythm there, and we’re blocking better on the perimeter. And the whole line has progressed and gotten better.”

Hurst, who has been projected as a first-round NFL draft pick in the upcoming draft, said he’s tried to help his underclassman teammates along.

For Hurst, it’s about building a foundation for the seasons to come.

“They’ve done a great job responding and learning the game, and now it’s just them refining the techniques they’ve learned and try to become better players every single play,” Hurst said. “I’m happy for those guys to be able get some confidence going and be a part of a win streak like this, so it’ll build them for the future.”

But Hurst isn’t ready to move on from his on UNC career just yet — he has two more games left and a possible bowl game to play for.

“It’s going to be a good way to go out, I know that,” Hurst said. “I’m thankful for all the opportunities that I’ve had to play here, and there are going to be memories that I don’t forget.”

sports@dailytarheel.com