Going into the season, the deepest part of the offense was the running back position. In Evan Davis’ preview this summer, players like Davion Gause, Charleston French, Benjamin Hall, and Caleb Hood were all mentioned because they all had come into camp with the experience to get opportunities.
The one player no one thought of was the Jacksonville High School freshman Demon June (pronounced “du-MAHN,” not “DEE-muhn,” for what it’s worth).
Last week, June got into the game after the rest of the backs
had trouble establishing the run, and he made an impression early. I noted his great runs on Monday and that he had “earned himself some more reps against Richmond.” Clearly the coaching staff noticed as well, as June was the starter in the backfield and made his presence known early. The first play from scrimmage was a nine yard scamper, then two plays later he just powered ahead for 50 yards to get the Tar Heels into the Red Zone.
June had one other monster run later that put the game out of reach. It was a 45-yard touchdown run with 8:19 left. It was the last touchdown of the game, to put Carolina up 41-9, and despite a couple of turnovers and a field goal by Richmond at the end of the game that was “significant to some,” it was June that basically started and ended the scoring for Carolina. He’s easily the Player of the Game, and while the last two teams haven’t exactly been national title contenders, it’s clear that he is enough of a threat to give the Carolina offense some heft.
The stats for the Tar Heels were just better with June on the field, and he finished the game with with 148 yards on 14 rushes, meaning he had a ridiculous 10.6 yards per carry.
The Tar Heels ground their way to 193 yards rushing, and once again did not give up a touchdown to an inferior opponent. Have the Tar Heels found their star on offense that they can lean on with a defense that is starting to get its footing? June sure seems as if he wants to answer yes to that question.
Give a standing ovation for the UNC defense as well. It’s tough to pick one player out on that side of the ball, although Mikai Gbayor has maybe the biggest shot because he just ripped the ball out of the hands of the Richmond running back and ran it back 62 yards for a touchdown. The ACC Network noted after the game that this is the first time that Carolina has held two opponents in a row without a touchdown since Larry Fedora’s first season in 2012.
The competition is admittedly not that great, but this is a team that, only a year ago, fans witnessed give up 20 at home to Charlotte and 70 to James Madison. The fact that the team essentially faced the same level of competition and gave up only 6 does speak to a change in mindset. We’ll see what they can do against a UCF offense that’s taken this week off to prepare for what the Tar Heels have put on display.
