Sorting through UNC's line issues

Offensive line is the one position North Carolina could not afford injuries. Two games into the 2009 season, the Tar Heels are scrambling for healthy bodies.

Guard Jonathan Cooper, who missed the UConn game with an ankle injury, practiced Wednesday and coach Butch Davis hopes he will be available for Saturday's game with ECU, if not be able to start.

But the injury of center Lowell Dyer, who is out three to four weeks with a strained shoulder muscle, is the latest setback for a unit missing seven players, in addition to the injuries to Cooper and Dyer, from the expected roster.

"We've lost a significant amount of offensive linemen over the last seven or eight months," Davis said. "Our coaches have done a good job of trying to settle that group down."

Three reserve players — tackle Zack Handerson, guard Mike Dykes, guard Morgan Randall — went on medical hardship after the 2008 season after a series of injuries ended their respective careers.

Guard Aaron Stahl, a starter in 2008, graduated and opted not to use his final season of eligibility.

Guard Kevin Bryant, listed in the preseason as Stahl's replacement in the starting lineup at left guard, quit the team in August.

Tackle Carl Gaskins tore the ACL in his left knee in training camp and is out for the season.

The personnel losses have put three true freshmen in the two-deep chart. Davis has only signed five offensive linemen in the past two recruiting classes and one, guard Johnnie Farms from the class of 2009, went to prep school.

The other three freshmen — guard Travis Bond, tackle Brennan Williams and guard David Collins — are listed on the depth chart and Cooper, the only 2008 signee, is the starter at left guard after redshirting last season.

With Dyer's injury, left tackle Kyle Jolly is the only senior on the depth chart. Junior right guard Alan Pelc is the only other upperclassmen with starting experience.

"We're very, very young on the offensive line," Davis said. "As guys get more game experience and more playing experience, our expectation is that they will continue to improve."

If something were to happen to Cam Holland, Dyer's backup at center, Bond would enter the starting lineup because Pelc is the backup center while Dyer's on the injured list.

Davis moved defensive tackle Tavares Brown to guard in Tuesday's practice. Brown, a senior, started two games in 2007 at DT. He has also been taking reps at center.