As college football’s preseason awards season heats up, it’s safe to say that the UNC offense will be quite the unit to watch this season.
Senior wide receiver Mack Hollins on Wednesday became the fifth member of the Tar Heel offense to end up on an award’s “watch list” for 2016–as he is one of 53 players currently expected to contend for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the nation’s top pass-catcher at the end of each year.
The 6-foot-4 speedster is a former walk-on who emerged last season as head coach Larry Fedora’s top deep threat by gaining 745 yards on just 30 catches–leading the NCAA with 24.8 yards per reception.
Mack Hollins (13) celebrates with Kendrick Singleton (81) after a touchdown against Delaware in 2015. (Photo by Smith Cameron Photography) Photography.
He has also been a special teams captain in each of the last three seasons.
Hollins graduated last May, but is enrolled in UNC’s sports administration program as he plays out his final year of eligibility.
With his addition to the Biletnikoff’s watch list, Hollins joins the following members of the Tar Heel offense to be honored this preseason: Elijah Hood (Maxwell Award), Lucas Crowley (Rimington Trophy), Jon Heck (Outland Trophy) and Nick Weiler (Groza Award).
Fedora–the guru behind UNC’s offensive attack–is also a part of the distinguished club, having been named to the watch list for the Dodd Trophy as the nation’s coach of the year.
All this really means is that starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky will have plenty of talent surrounding him, as he looks to make a seamless transition into his new role.
Should that happen, the Tar Heels could contend yet again for the ACC Coastal Division Championship–especially as the defense continues to make strides under second-year coordinator Gene Chizik.
Hollins and Trubisky have already forged quite the connection, as the two showed during an early-season game against Delaware last fall.
After replacing struggling starter Marquise Williams in the second quarter, Trubisky found Hollins three times for 100 yards and two scores–including a 64-yard bomb that highlights everything great about Hollins’ impressive skill set.
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines