UNC head coach Mack Brown said the transfer portal would be a priority for his team this offseason, both in adding players from it and keeping his own players from entering it. The Tar Heels have already made a step in accomplishing the former, as Friday the program announced offensive lineman Corey Gaynor, formerly of the University of Miami, would be joining UNC next year. The 2022 season will be Gaynor’s last year of eligibility.

Gaynor spent four years with the Hurricanes, started each game at center during his sophomore and junior seasons and was named a team captain in 2020. He struggled with injuries in 2021 however, playing in just three games.

Gaynor will provide relief and a veteran presence to a UNC offensive line which struggled mightily in 2021, allowing an ACC-worst 45 sacks against quarterback Sam Howell. Center was a particularly troublesome position, with starter Brian Anderson missing time due to injury and reserves Quiron Johnson and Cayden Baker playing in his stead.

Gaynor’s transfer also comes shortly after Johnson announced he would be returning to UNC for a final season with the program. Senior offensive lineman Jordan Tucker also announced he would be entering his name in the NFL Draft after the Tar Heels’ Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against South Carolina on December 30. As of Friday, no other UNC offensive linemen have yet announced their intentions for next season.

 

Featured image via Miami Sun-Sentinel

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