Thick storylines continue to brew as preseason camp ends

Monday marked the final day of fall camp, and players and coaches alike on the North Carolina football team are staying on their grind as the team's 2017 season debut inches closer. Depth chart questions and other storylines were addressed after Monday's practice.

Rodgers’ return 

The offensive line is set to experience big changes this year. Khaliel Rodgers, a graduate transfer from Southern California, officially rejoined the team less than a week ago after announcing his retirement from football on Aug. 5.

Rodgers started 11 games during his three seasons at USC, and he certainly adds to the experience of the offense. Offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic said it will take some time for him to get back into game speed and game shape after missing those weeks before returning to the team.

“It was shocking and the first thing in my mind is did this team want him,” Kapilovic said. “So we talked to our leadership council and the guys in the room and they were willing to take him back. He had to pay a price, but they were willing to take him back and so we’re all squared.”

UNC's starting QB is still TBD 

The race for the starting quarterback job is still very much “neck and neck,” according to Kapilovic. Graduate transfer Brandon Harris, redshirt first-year Chazz Surratt and redshirt sophomore Nathan Elliott appear to be the front-runners for the job right now.

When asked if any quarterback has stood out so far, head coach Larry Fedora kept it short and sweet: “No.” After a little more prodding, Fedora elaborated. 

“They’re all competing," Fedora said. "That’s what I like. They’re all competing, so we’ve still got a ways to go before someone separates themselves."

Although Fedora’s lips are sealed, Harris has the clear advantage in experience. Before coming to Chapel Hill, Harris attended LSU, playing in 25 games and starting 15 games. He started all 12 games and notched a 9-3 record in his sophomore year, but he lost the starting job in the middle of his junior year.

Left-handers Chazz Surratt and Nathan Elliott are lacking in the experience department but each bring something new to the table. Elliot has been UNC's system the longest, and Surratt, of course, broke multiple North Carolina state records in high school in total yards and touchdowns.

Kapilovic gave some insight into what the coaching staff is looking for in the starter. 

“Again, we’re trying to find the one that will stay consistent with just running the offense, making good decisions pre- and post-snap, and showing some presence out there,” Kapilovic said. 

WR and RB questions

In addition to the questions at quarterback, there are many roles to fill following the departures of wide receivers Ryan Switzer, Mack Hollins and Bug Howard, and running backs Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan. 

Fedora stressed they will not make a decision on these starters until closer to game day.

Although nothing has been formally announced in terms of a starting lineup, one of the most experienced players out of any of the wide receivers or running backs is Austin Proehl. The senior has said that he's been a leader since last summer — even with Switzer, Hollins and Howard as part of the wide receiving corps. 

On Monday, Proehl stayed after practice, running sprints and doing push-ups on the field as almost everyone went back to the locker room. 

At running back, sophomore Jordon Brown is the only one with Tar Heel game experience. Graduate transfer Stanton Truitt started three games during his time at Auburn. 

Fedora said that no one has separated themselves among the running backs, but everyone is working hard.  

Moving Forward 

The team gets Tuesday off to recover and go to class, and practice will resume Wednesday. According to Fedora, the coaching staff will begin prepping for California tomorrow and start to implement the game plan later this week. 

@esingletary4

sports@dailytarheel.com