North Carolina has some very tough decisions to make over the next few weeks to months on what it wants to do at the quarterback position. After it was an absolute embarrassment in Bill Belichick's first season with Gio Lopez, I understand why many Tar Heels fans are worried about how this quarterback search will go next year.
Ultimately, North Carolina and Belichick have a tough job to do, but I expect both sides to figure this thing out. Belichick will have to lean on his coaching staff to help make some decisions, and there will be plenty of them.
However, as of now, offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino isn't ready to make an announcement. In fact, according to the latest report, he's admitted it will be an open competition for the remainder of the summer.
“Former starter Gio Lopez transferred to Wake Forest after a difficult single season in Chapel Hill. Lopez completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 1,747 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 games, finishing with a 51.9 QBR that ranked 97th nationally. UNC’s offense struggled to produce, averaging just 288.8 yards per game.
“Lopez later spoke about the pressure he faced and the frustration he felt at UNC; whoever wins the starting role will likely inherit the same expectations. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino has said the competition will continue through the summer,” Eva Patel of The Daily Tar Heel wrote.
I don't hate having an open competition, but I do think it's important that North Carolina has its decision made before the middle of August. North Carolina has to ensure that it gives itself a quarterback and a good chance to run reps with the first team for at least a few weeks before the first game of the season.
The last thing UNC wants is a QB who isn't ready to do what it needs come ACC play.
