By Clifton Barnes

With a more experienced offensive line, UNC coach Larry Fedora expects quarterback Marquis Williams to take on less of the load and distribute the ball better.

Last season the Tar Heels had just one returning starter on the offensive line and as a result Williams, a big and physical quarterback, called his own number many times to evade the defense.

All that running got him bruised and battered and led to fewer of the other skill players getting the ball in their hands.

“The reason he did that lack of experience on the offensive line… I think you’ll see him distribute the ball more,” Fedora said at the ACC football meeting Tuesday morning in Pinehurst. “Marquis will make some different decisions.”

In the Carolina offense, the quarterback has a lot of freedom and Fedora said a lot of Williams’ runs last year weren’t called runs.

Fedora said Williams likes to run and he isn’t apprehensive and cautious when he runs but that more production from the running back will take the load off Williams.

TJ Logan started nine games at tailback last season and played in all 13, running for 582 yards and three touchdowns. The junior will need to produce more this season, as will his backup Elijah Hood, a sophomore who ran for 259 yards and four touchdowns in nine games.

And as Fedora says, the success of the running game will depend on the offensive line.
“All five offensive linemen are back,” he said. “We have a lot of confidence we’re going to be good in the running game.”

Confidence seems to be a buzz word for this year’s Tar Heels team. With the linemen all back – including All-America candidate senior guard Landon Turner, junior tackle Jon Heck and junior center Lucas Crowley – confidence is high on offense.

But some of that confidence is being exuded by quarterback Marquis Williams too who is not looking over his shoulder this season. Last preseason there was an open battle between he and Mitch Trubisky for the QB position. In fact, especially early in the season, the two split time at the position.

“He’s very confident,” Fedora said. “He goes into the season knowing this is his team… He understands all he needs to do is keep moving the chains and take care of the football.”

And Fedora is confident he’ll do that.