An already troubling positional group within the UNC football program is set to lose some major depth for 2022. Junior offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu announced Monday he would be forgoing his final year of eligibility and entering the NFL Draft.

“My time here has been incredible,” Ezeudu said in his announcement. “And you all have made this a place I will forever call home. I am truly grateful to be a Tar Heel.”

Ezeudu is now the third UNC starter on the offensive line to leave school since the end of the 2021 season. Senior Jordan Tucker announced previously the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against South Carolina would be his last game as a Tar Heel, while senior Marcus McKethan announced his decision to leave Sunday. Both Tucker and McKethan had an additional season of eligibility at their disposal due to the NCAA’s COVID policies for student-athletes, but decided to turn pro.

UNC is now down to just two starters from its 2021 offensive line who are still with the program: junior Asim Richards and graduate student Quiron Johnson, who filled in for Brian Anderson at the center position for much of the 2021 season. Anderson, who has not yet announced whether he will be returning to Chapel Hill, started 11 of 12 games for Carolina at center in the 2020 season and earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. With Anderson absent for much of 2021, UNC’s offensive line struggled as a whole, allowing an ACC-worst 49 sacks this season.

Carolina will also add Miami offensive lineman Corey Gaynor from the transfer portal for 2022. Gaynor, who will be using his last year of eligibility, is also experienced at center and was the Hurricanes’ team captain in 2020.

The 2022 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 28 through April 30 in Las Vegas.

 

Featured image via 247 Sports

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