Spring Football Game: What To Look For

North Carolina will hold its annual spring game Saturday at 3 p.m. at Kenan Stadium.

A year ago, the team held a scrimmage at Rocky River High School outside of Charlotte because a new drainage system was being installed underneath the field at Kenan.

But it wasn’t an actual spring game, so Saturday’s affair will be interesting in that respect, and also because there are plenty of story lines worthy of noting.

Here is a quick primer on some things to look for Saturday:

Newbies – The eight players that enrolled in January have had an excellent first four months in Chapel Hill. Larry Fedora and some of the older Heels have mentioned most of the newcomers by name, a few have been noted in each of the three previous opportunities the media has had with the team. Getting the most attention, however, has been linebacker Jonathan Smith.

Smith, who wears No. 7, looks the part of a major college linebacker already, and he’s done an excellent job learning the calls and schemes of the position. He's handled the physical part well, too, but still has to work on some technique, but he's made notable progress there from practice to practice over the last several weeks.

From Laurinburg, NC (Scotland H.S.), Smith is someone every Heels fan in attendance should focus on at some point.

Three More To Watch - Three other newcomers to watch are running back Jordon Brown, safety Myles Dorn, and JC transfer linebacker, by way of New Mexico State, J.B. Copeland.

Brown has drawn lots of praise from teammates and Fedora. He’s already learned all of the calls and has gotten in plenty of reps with the 1s and 2s. Dorn has impressed with his size, physicality and maturity, all three things that Des Lawrence recently noted. And Copeland, according to Cayson Collins, can hit, is extremely physical, and when he learns more of the calls will be hard to keep off of the field.

Expect all three players to see significant action Saturday, and take time to focus on them instead of the established Heels. It's guys like this trio, and others, that will complete the Heels and make them more of an ACC contender.

The Quarterbacks – Everyone always wants to know about the QBs, and Carolina has a nice collection of talented ones. Mitch Trubisky takes over and will get considerable reps Saturday. Backing him up is sophomore Caleb Henderson, who at times has looked terrific this spring, following by redshirt freshman Nathan Elliott and true freshman Logan Byrd, a January enrollee.

Byrd, who has dropped about 18 pounds since arriving, has worked some with the 3rd team, but that job appears to be Elliott’s right now. In fact, Elliot, a lefthander, so he will stand out some, has had a very good spring and is someone to keep an eye on. Lots of praise around the program regarding his development and potential.

The Other Receivers – The names everyone knows will get some reps, but a lot of time is likely to go to the next tier of talented pass catchers. Likely to catch fans’ eyes are RS freshman Juval Mollette, Vanderbilt transfer Jordan Cunningham, sophomore Josh Cabrera and RS freshman tight end Jake Bargas. Cunningham, by the way, is eligible to play this coming season.

The Offensive Line – The first thing most fans will notice is that Landon Turner is no longer there. Big No. 78 is off to the NFL, but if you take running back Elijah Hood at his word, the OL as a whole may be better this year than last season, even with Turner gone. Four other starters return, plus some of the others have significant experience.

Senior John Ferranto played the most snaps on the team two seasons ago as a starter, but now he’s either a backup every program in the nation would love to have, or he will be starting at right guard but also moving around some. It will be interesting to see how many different places he lines up Saturday.

Also, the backups, including Brad Hansen, who likely will play multiple positions, too, are worth watching. In case of an injury, one of these guys may have to step in. Keep a special eye on RS freshmen William Sweet at tackle and Nick Polino at guard, both have had very good springs.

Mikey Bart – A starter last year, but Bart’s name was mentioned last week when Fedora was asked about someone on the edge that has stood out in camp. Bart has been quicker, stronger, and is getting off blockers quicker. He’s a senior, so now is his time, so keep an eye on No. 45.

Not playing – It’s uncertain which players will not be playing Saturday, but two we know for certain: DE Dajaun Drennon and LB Andre Smith. Drennon has started the last two seasons and Smith was the first linebacker off the bench as a true freshman a year ago and is slated to start this season. Both are expected at full strength when fall camp opens in early August.