UNC senior left tackle Asim Richards will not be using his final year of collegiate eligibility with the Tar Heels next season, and will instead turn pro. Richards started all 14 games on the offensive line for Carolina this season.

Richards received third team All-ACC honors this season. According to Pro Football Focus’ grading system, Richards was the top pass blocker on the team in 2022. He allowed just 21 pressures in 666 pass-blocking snaps.

Since the 2020 season, Richards has started 38 of a possible 39 games, while also appearing in nine games in 2019 as a true freshman. 2022 marked the first time Richards had received All-ACC honors in his career.

Along with Ed Montilus, Richards is the second UNC offensive lineman who will not return next season. Fellow offensive linemen Corey Gaynor, Spencer Rolland, William Barnes and Jonathan Adorno each have the option to leave school, but have not announced a decision as of January 4.

 

Featured image via Inside Carolina/Jim Hawkins

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