North Carolina Football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2022

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 06: The North Carolina Tar Heels take the field during their game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 58-55. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 02: Defensive back Trey Morrison #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils on October 02, 2021 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won won 38-7. (Photo by Peyton Williams/Getty Images) /

One of the biggest — if not the biggest — reasons that North Carolina struggled as a team last season was the offensive line. It was one of the worst in the ACC and in the country. Sam Howell was constantly pressured and under duress and it was a reason that the running game took a bit of a step back.

The answer to addressing this problem is signing one of the best offensive tackles in the country.

Zach Rice is a five-star offensive lineman from the 2022 recruiting class. He is not only one of the best offensive linemen in the class but one of the best players in the class overall.

Rice is going to be able to compete in spring football as an early enrollee and he should be able to challenge for a starting spot. Expect Rice to see the field early in 2022 and be a cornerstone for the program.

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