UNC is approaching the end of training camp without a starting quarterback. Bill Belichick may appreciate a lengthy evaluation, but the calendar is about to decide for him.
UNC quarterback competition remains wide open
Belichick has spent most of training camp refusing to manufacture a deadline for UNC’s quarterback competition. With the Tar Heels preparing to open their season against TCU on Aug. 29, however, patience is quickly becoming a luxury.
When Belichick was asked Friday whether anyone had separated from the competition, he said, “I don’t think there’s a leader in the clubhouse, but it’s been very competitive. They’ve all had a lot of really good moments, and a couple that they’d probably like to have back, like all of us do.”
That might be acceptable in early August. It becomes considerably less comfortable once training camp ends and regular-season preparation begins.
UNC has four quarterbacks competing for the position. Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. brings the most experience, while Texas A&M transfer Miles O’Neill offers size and athleticism. Returning quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk and freshman Travis Burgess remain involved as well.
Belichick does not necessarily need to announce his decision publicly. Keeping TCU guessing would be perfectly on brand for a coach who has traditionally treated injury reports like classified military documents.
Behind closed doors, though, UNC needs to know who is leading the offense.
Bill Belichick cannot divide the important repetitions forever
The eventual starter must build timing with receivers, establish communication with the offensive line and learn how coordinator Bobby Petrino wants the offense operated under pressure. Splitting repetitions among four quarterbacks makes it easier to evaluate everyone. It does little to prepare one player to lead the team in Dublin.
That preparation is more important than ever after UNC’s miserable offensive showing last season. The Tar Heels ranked 129th nationally in total offense, 118th in scoring and 115th in red-zone efficiency. They averaged only 19.25 points and 289.2 yards per game.
Belichick, consequently, is not choosing between four proven stars. He is attempting to identify which quarterback is least likely to make a struggling offense worse.
His comments suggest ball security and avoiding negative plays will heavily influence the decision. Belichick referenced Tom Brady when explaining how a quarterback can control a game without constantly producing spectacular highlights. Brady’s greatest strength, according to his former coach, was eliminating sacks, turnovers and other drive-killing mistakes.
That standard would seemingly favor Edwards, whose experience dwarfs the rest of the quarterback room. Yet his injury history and limited action last season leave questions about whether he is physically ready to handle the job.
O’Neill is the more intriguing athlete but has thrown only 20 passes during his college career. Newkirk owns limited experience inside the program, while Burgess is attempting to win the position as a true freshman.
Each option comes with a rather prominent warning label.
UNC will face TCU at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The international setting, national audience and complicated travel schedule already make this anything but a routine opener.
Belichick does not need to name his starter tomorrow. He does need to begin preparing one.
Camp may be winding down, but UNC’s biggest question remains stubbornly open.
