UNC loses starting left tackle to transfer portal
Drake Maye was one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football this year.
He was a Heisman Trophy contender at one point, before Carolina endured another annual, late-season collapse. Maye led the ACC and finished 12th nationally with 3,608 passing yards.
While UNC’s pass-catchers played a major role in Maye’s success, so did the offensive line.
Diego Pounds, just a sophomore in 2023, was the Tar Heels’ starting left tackle. For right-handed quarterbacks, left tackles are the most important players on the O-line.
This was Pounds’ first season starting on the line in Chapel Hill, but also his last.
On Thursday, Jan. 4, Pounds entered his name in the transfer portal.
#UNC loses LT Diego Pounds to the transfer portal.
The Raleigh native started 12 games for the Tar Heels in 2023. Tough loss.
As of right now, Willie Lampkin is the only starter on the offensive line set to return to Chapel Hill in 2024.
— Jacob Turner (@JacobTurnerTHI) January 4, 2024
Carolina needs every bit of offensive help it can get next year, with Maye and Devontez Walker leaving for the NFL. The Tar Heels will be employing a new quarterback in either Conner Harrell or Max Johnson, who transferred from Texas A&M with his brother, Jake.
Since UNC is projected to have just one starter returning to the offensive line next year, I imagine recruiting efforts will shift to that position group. Carolina is in the mix for Princeton transfer Jalen Travis – snagging him would be a huge win.
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