By R.L. Bynum
NFL training camps are opening with no shortage of compelling storylines involving former Tar Heels — from veterans switching teams to rookies fighting for roster spots, UNC alums being new teammates and rookie running back Omarion Hampton getting first-team reps.
Two notable offseason moves were wide receiver Dyami Brown joining the Jacksonville Jaguars after four seasons in Washington, and Javonte Williams becoming a Dallas Cowboy after four seasons in Denver. Both are expected to start.
Two of nine rookie former Tar Heels are joining Brown on the Jags: tight end John Copenhaver and wide receiver J.J. Jones. Among Williams’ blockers in Dallas will be third-year tackle Asim Richards.
There are 32 former UNC players in NFL training camps. (Scroll down for the full list of Tar Heels in training camps.)
The Atlanta Falcons and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday became the final teams to open camp.
The preseason begins on Thursday, July 31, with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, featuring Hampton’s Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions (8 p.m., NBC). Most teams play their first exhibition games Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 10.
The regular season begins on Thursday, Sept. 4, with Williams’ Dallas Cowboys visiting the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (8:20, NBC).
Quarterback Drake Maye, entering his second season with the New England Patriots after a sensational rookie season, will now be throwing to another Tar Heel, wide receiver Mack Hollins, who’s was expected to start after spending last season with the Buffalo Bills. Hollins begins camp on the physically unable to perform list, though, with an undisclosed injury.
Other Tar Heels on the move:
- Sam Howell, now with the Minnesota Vikings, his third team, is expected to back up J.J. McCarthy after a season behind Geno Smith in Seattle. He’ll join a former UNC teammate, running back Ty Chandler, who enters his fourth season in Minnesota.
- Chazz Surratt is the third-string middle linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers after playing his first four seasons with the New York Jets.
- Veteran tackle Charlie Heck joins the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after splitting last season between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals. This marks his sixth NFL season and fourth team.
Seven former UNC players are expected to start. The others are Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, Miami Dolphins cornerback Storm Duck and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes.
It’s a big comeback season for two UNC alums who suffered serious injuries:
- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb missed all of last season recovering from a left knee injury suffered in Week 9 of the 2023 season, and is listed as the second-string inside linebacker.
- Houston Texans running back British Brooks returns from a torn meniscus injury suffered in Week 5 last year that ended his rookie season. It’s unclear where he’ll fall on the depth chart, though.
Hampton (top photo) entered Chargers training camp as the backup to Najee Harris, but the free-agent signee is on the non-football injury list after suffering an eye injury in a fireworks accident on July 4.
The likely action that Hampton will get during the preseason will only bolster the expectation that he’ll be a big part of the Chargers’ offense, regardless of when Harris plays.
“He’s been attacking it, hitting it hard,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh told chargers.com of Hampton before camp opened. “Still got some days before we’re in pads but I think he’s going to be even better in pads. “He’s well trained and ready to roll.”
Having the best chance at earning roster spots among the eight other rookie former UNC players are Chicago Bears linebacker Power Echols (listed as third string), Jones (fourth string) and Los Angeles Rams center Willie Lampkin (fourth string).
Likely fighting to earn roster spots will be Copenhaver, Houston Texans cornerback Alijah Huzzie, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Nate McCollum, New England Patriots defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kaimon Rucker.
Former UNC players waived last spring were wide receiver Antoine Green by the Detroit Lions and defensive tackle Tomari Fox by the Los Angeles Raiders.
Tar Heels in NFL training camps
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 25 | 5–11, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Uncertain
2024 season statistics — 5 games, 1 carry, 2 yards; suffered season-ending torn meniscus in Week 5
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Carolina Panthers, Fox
Dyami Brown, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–0, 195 | 5th NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting wide receiver
2024 season statistics — 18 games, 41 catches, 495 yards (51 longest), 2 TDs; 3 carries, 25 yards (14 longest); 0 of 1 passing
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Carolina Panthers, Fox
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals running back
Age 26 | 5–8, 201 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Fourth-string running back
2024 season statistics — 3 games, 35 carries, 131 yards (13 longest), 1 TD; 11 catches on 11 targets, 57 yards (18 longest)
First exhibition — 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at New Orleans Saints, CBS
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings running back
Age 27 | 5–11, 204 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — First-string kick returner; third-string running back
2024 season statistics — 17 games, 56 rushes, 182 yards (25 longest); 6 catches, 42 yards (10 longest); 8 kick returns, 205 yards; sacked once for a 1-yard loss; 3 special-teams tackles, 1 special-teams assist
First exhibition — 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, vs. Houston Texans, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:15 Monday, Sept. 9, at Chicago Bears, ESPN, ABC
John Copenhaver, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end
Age 25 | 6–3, 240 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2020–24
Roster situation — Uncertain
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 13 games, 40 catches, 414 yards, 4 TDs; 1 rush, 6 yards
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Carolina Panthers, Fox
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 23 | 5–9, 171 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver ahead of Anthony Gould
2024 season statistics — 14 games, 72 catches, 803 yards (69 longest), 5 TDs; 1 carry, 12 yards; 16 punt returns, 161 yards (23 longest); 1 tackle; 1 fumble recovery
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Baltimore Ravens, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:15 Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Miami Dolphins, Fox
Storm Duck, Miami Dolphins cornerback
Age 24 | 6–0, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Starting left cornerback
2024 season statistics — 14 games, 23 tackles, 11 assists, 2 tackles for losses, 4 passes defended, 2 tackles on kickoff coverage
First exhibition — 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at Chicago Bears, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:15 Sunday, Sept. 7, at Indianapolis Colts, Fox
Power Echols, Chicago Bears linebacker
Age 22 | 5–11, 237 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2021–24
Roster situation — Third-string middle linebacker
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 12 games, 43 tackles, 33 assists, 1 interception, 1 TD
First exhibition — 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, vs. Miami Dolphins, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:15 Monday, Sept. 8, vs. Minnesota Vikings, ESPN, ABC
Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants offensive lineman
Age 25 | 6–4, 310 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2016–21
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
2024 season statistics — 16 games
First exhibition — 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Buffalo Bills, NFL Network
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Washington Commanders, Fox
Tomon Fox, New York Giants linebacker
Age 27 | 6–2, 245 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2016–21
Roster situation — Third-string strong side linebacker
2024 season statistics — 11 games, 6 tackles, 6 assists, 1 sack, 1 tackle for a loss, 2 quarterback hits, 2 special-teams tackles, 1 special-teams assist
First exhibition — 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Buffalo Bills, NFL Network
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Washington Commanders, Fox
Amari Gainer, Las Vegas Raiders linebacker
Age 25 | 6–3, 235 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Fourth-string weakside linebacker
2024 season statistics — 15 games, 2 tackles, 2 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
First exhibition — 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Seattle Seahawks, NFL Network
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at New England Patriots, CBS
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 22 | 6–2, 234 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Second-string left inside linebacker
2024 season statistics — 7 games, 6 tackles, 8 assists, 7 special-teams tackles, 1 special-teams assist
First exhibition — 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Seattle Seahawks, NFL Network
Season opener — 4:05 Sunday, Sept. 7, at Denver Broncos, Fox
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 22 | 6–0, 220 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Second-string running back behind Najee Harris
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 12 games, 281 carries, 1,660 yards, 15 TDs, 38 catches, 373 yards, 2 TDs
First exhibition — 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, vs. Detroit Lions at the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, 8 p.m., NBC
Season opener — 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, YouTube
Charlie Heck, Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman
Age 28 | 6–8, 311 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics (Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers) — 9 games, 1 tackle
First exhibition — 7:30 Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. Tennessee Titans
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Atlanta Falcons, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 28 | 6–1, 240 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string left inside linebacker
2024 season statistics — Missed season recovering from left knee injury suffered in Week 9 of the 2023 season
First exhibition — 7:30 Saturday, Aug. 9, at Jacksonville Jaguars
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at New York Jets, 1 p.m., CBS
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots wide receiver
Age 31 | 6–4, 221 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2013–16
Roster situation — Starting wide receiver, but placed on active/PUP list on July 19
2024 eason statistics (Buffalo Bills) — 18 games, 30 catches, 384 yards (44 longest), 5 TDs; 1 tackle; 2 special-teams tackles; 1 special-teams fumble recovery; 1 kickoff return, 38 yards
First exhibition — 7:30 Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. Tennessee Titans
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Las Vegas Raiders, CBS
Sam Howell, Minnesota Vikings quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind J.J. McCarthy
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks) — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 INT, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
First exhibition — 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, vs. Houston Texans, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:15 Monday, Sept. 9, at Chicago Bears, ESPN, ABC
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 28 | 5–10, 191 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting right cornerback
2024 season statistics — 15 games, 47 tackles, 15 assists, 4 tackles for losses, 6 passes defended
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, vs. Detroit Lions
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, Fox
Alijah Huzzie, Houston Texans cornerback
Age 24 | 5–10, 195 | rookie season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Uncertain
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 13 games, 26 tackles, 14 assists, 1 interception
First exhibition — 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network
Season opener — 4:25 Sunday, Sept. 7, at Los Angeles Rams, CBS
J.J. Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Age 22 | 6–3, 210 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2021–24
Roster situation — Fourth-string wide receiver
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 13 games, 36 catches, 582 yards, 6 TDs
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Carolina Panthers, Fox
Willie Lampkin, Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman
Age 23 | 5–11, 290 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Fourth-string center
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 12 games; didn’t allow a sack, won ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. Dallas Cowboys
Season opener — 4:25 Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Houston Texans, CBS
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 22 | 6–4, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —-Starting QB ahead of Joshua Dobbs
2024 season statistics — 13 games, 225 of 338, 2,276 yards (40 longest), 15 TDs, 10 INTs, 33 sacks for 220, 88.3 passer rating; 54 carries, 421 yards (41 longest), 7.8 average, 2 TDs; 1 tackle
First exhibition — 7:30 Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. Tennessee Titans
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Las Vegas Raiders, CBS
Nate McCollum, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Age 23 | 5–8, 185 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Uncertain
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 10 games, 24 catches, 274 yards; 5 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD
First exhibition — 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, vs. Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Network
Season opener — 4:05 Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. San Francisco 49ers, Fox
Kyler McMichael, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back
Age 25 | 6–0, 210 | fifth NFL training camp | UNC 2020–21
Roster situation — Third-string left cornerback
2024 season statistics — Released during training camp
First exhibition — 7:30 Saturday, Aug. 9, at Jacksonville Jaguars
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at New York Jets, 1 p.m., CBS
Asim Richards, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–4, 307 | third NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
2024 season statistics — 13 games
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Los Angeles Rams
Season opener — 8:20 Thursday, Sept. 4, at Philadelphia Eagles, NBC
Jahvaree Ritzie, New England Patriots defensive tackle
Age 22 | 6–4, 294 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2021–24
Roster situation —-Uncertain
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 12 games, 20 tackles, 20 assiss, 7 tackles for losses, 6.5 sacks; 1 interception, 84 yards, 1 TD
First exhibition — 7:30 Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. Tennessee Titans
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Las Vegas Raiders, CBS
Kaimon Rucker, Baltimore Ravens linebacker
Age 22 | 6–2, 265 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2020–24
Roster situation — Uncertain
2024 season statistics (UNC) — 8 games, 16 tackles, 14 assists, 8 tackles for losses, 6 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pass defended
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, vs. Indianapolis Colts, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sunday, Sept. 7, at Buffalo Bills, NBC
M.J. Stewart, Houston Texans safety
Age 29 | 5–11, 205 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Second-string strong safety
2024 season statistics — 16 games, 6 tackles, 1 assist; 2 tackles for losses; 1 fumble recovery, 2 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assist
First exhibition — 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network
Season opener — 4:25 Sunday, Sept. 7, at Los Angeles Rams, CBS
Chazz Surratt, San Francisco 49ers linebacker
Age 28 | 6–2, 233 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string middle linebacker
Season statistics (New York Jets) — 17 games, 17 tackles, 5 assists, 2 tackles for losses, 1 QB hit, 2 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
First exhibition — 8:30 Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. Denver Broncos
Season opener — 4:05 Sunday, Sept. 7, at Seattle Seahawks, Fox
Mitch Trubisky, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Josh Allen
2024 season statistics — 10 games, 19 of 26, 179 yards (20 longest), 2 TDs; 18 carries, -2 yards (8 longest)
First exhibition — 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, vs. New York Giants
Season opener — 8:20 Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Baltimore Ravens, NBC
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 24 | 6–1, 198 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Second-string wide receiver behind Zay Flowers
2024 season statistics — 10 games, 1 catch on 1 target, 21 yards, TD; 2 special-teams tackles
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, vs. Indianapolis Colts, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sunday, Sept. 7, at Buffalo Bills, NBC
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 25 | 5–10, 220 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Miles Sanders
2024 season statistics (Denver Broncos) — 17 games, 141 carries, 514 yards (20 longest), 4 TDs; 51 catches, 310 yards (34 longest); 2 fumbles
First exhibition — 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Los Angeles Rams
Season opener — 8:20 Thursday, Sept .4, at Philadelphia Eagles, NBC
Waived in offseason
Wide receiver Antoine Green by the Detroit Lions on April 29
Defensive tackle Tomari Fox by the Las Vegas Raiders on March 7
Photo via @chargers
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