Carl Gaskins (#71) is out for the season with an ACL tear
During the spring game, there was concern about the lack of depth and inexperience of the offensive line and now there is even more reason to be concerned. As the North Carolina Tar Heels get closer to kick-off, coach Butch Davis is concerned about the O-line and protecting QB T.J. Yates.
Recently, back-up guard Kevin Bryant (So. 6’7, 350 lbs.) was dismissed from the team. Now, back-up left tackle Carl Gaskins (So. 6’5, 295 lbs.) tore his ACL during Wednesday morning’s practice. He will miss the entire 2009 season.
Furthermore, senior TE Ryan Taylor sprained his MCL during Tuesday’s practice and is expected to be out at least one month.
The O-line is already filled with sophomores and juniors. With that, there is a lot of inexperience and not so much depth. If players continue to go down, some incoming freshman will have to play on the O- line. This leaves Davis a little concerned because there are questions of durability regarding Yates.
Let’s hope the Tar Heels can avoid this injury bug and get this season rolling on a positive note against The Citadel on September 5th.
