With the departure of Landon Turner to the NFL, the UNC offensive line is in need of a new leader.

Enter Jon Heck.

A member of the All-ACC second team in 2015, Heck was recognized last week as one of 70 players to watch for this year’s Outland Trophy–the award given to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman.

During his first three years as a Tar Heel, Heck has started 38 games–including all 14 last season.

Although he has been known in recent years as more of a pass-blocking specialist, the numbers show Heck’s made great strides in the run department as well.

His partnership with fellow veterans Turner and center Lucas Crowley helped UNC clear the way for a much-improved ground attack in 2015.

Elijah Hood ran for over 1,400 yards out of the backfield, while quarterback Marquise Williams nearly tacked on another 1,000.

Heck’s contributions to the Tar Heels may not be pretty, but they are much-needed–especially if the team wants to continue its winning ways again in 2016.

Of the 70 players nominated for the Outland Trophy, Heck is one of just 22 offensive tackles on the list.

By November, only six or seven semifinalists will remain in contention for the honor–before the final three candidates are chosen to attend the Home Depot College Football Awards in Atlanta on Dec. 8.