CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina State football's spring game Saturday at Kenan Stadium gave fans their first look at the Tar Heels for the 2024 season.
Although practices were not televised and no official game statistics were recorded, redshirt sophomore quarterback Connor Harrell was one of the standouts with three passing touchdowns. . Freshman wide receiver Vali Green scored two touchdowns.
UNC was without five of its top returners on offense: wide receivers Kobe Pacer, JJ Jones and Gavin Blackwell, and tight ends Bryson Nesbitt and Jon Copenhaver.
Edge rusher Kymon Rucker, who underwent finger surgery earlier this month, was also out. UNC opens the season on Aug. 29 at Minnesota. Here are his four takeaways from the Tar Heels' spring game.
UNC quarterbacks Max Johnson and Connor Harrell continue their battle
Max Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M, started the scrimmage with the first-team offense and threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Paul Billups II. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Connor Harrell played against a second-team defense but had two explosive plays that resulted in touchdowns. Harrell connected with freshman wideout Javarius Green for a 68-yard touchdown, then found veteran Nate McCollum on a slant route for a 65-yard TD. Both players looked good, so the battle for the starting spot continues ahead of the opening game.
Jordan Shipp could be one of UNC's top playmakers
Freshman wide receiver Jordan Shipp was a potential star on the outside, making several catches over defenders before finishing with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Harrell. Shipp, UNC's top-ranked recruit, was an elite playmaker at his school in Providence, Charlotte, according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound wideout was a three-time state champion, rushing for 37 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards in three seasons.
Desmond Evans, 'Stick' Lane and Will Hardy shine on Tar Heels defense
UNC's new defensive coordinator Jeff Collins has a number of talented veterans to work with this season. Senior defensive lineman Desmond Evans was consistently in the backfield throughout Saturday's scrimmage, making big hits while fellow veteran Antavious “Stick” Lane showed off his coverage skills. Junior defensive back Will Hardy made the biggest play of the day for the defense, completing an interception that resulted in a 22-yard touchdown.
UNC kicker struggling
UNC kickers Noah Barnett and Liam Boyd each missed a field goal in Saturday's scrimmage. Barnett missed a 46-yard field goal on the first possession, and Boyd also missed a 48-yard field goal on the final possession. Barnett made 19 of 20 field goals last season, finishing fifth among ACC kickers.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at:rbaxley@fayobserver.com Or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
