Following UNC’s 35-30 loss to California in its 2017 season opener, it’s safe to say the Tar Heel offense is a work in progress.

Head coach Larry Fedora still won’t commit to just one quarterback, and the team struggled to find anything close to the downfield passing attack it’s been able to deploy over the years.

On top of that, Fedora also has to replace a pair of tailbacks–Elijah Hood and TJ Logan–who were each talented enough to hear their names called during this past spring’s NFL Draft.

Against the Golden Bears, however, there was at least one player who stepped up to the challenge of replacing a star–true freshman Michael Carter.

Wearing Logan’s old number eight jersey, Carter dazzled fans at Kenan Stadium early on with his blinding speed and quickness–much like Logan used to do.

The Florida native took his first career handoff from quarterback Chazz Surratt with just under five minutes left in the opening quarter. He was stopped after churning out eight yards, but it turned out to be a precursor for what was to come.

On the very next play, Carter went back to the left side and found a crease–bursting through it for 47 yards, before being tackled by his face mask.

Carter’s third carry brought him his first career touchdown as he crossed the goal line from two yards out.

Michael Carter addresses the media following UNC’s loss to Cal on Saturday. (Photo via Avery Trendel)

Although a fumble on the team’s next drive–which may or may not have been caused by the ground–saw Carter subbed out for Jordon Brown, he wasted no time getting back to business when put back in the game.

Midway through the second quarter, Surratt gave Carter an option pitch inside the 10-yard-line.

The result was a mad dash to the corner of the endzone. Carter took off and dove for the pylon, stretching his body in a way that almost resembled the new Jumpman logos on the team’s uniforms.

Upon confirmation of the touchdown, the Tar Heels pulled out to a 17-7 lead–the largest they had all day long.

Although Carter touched the ball just four times in the second half, he finished with 11 carries for 94 yards and a pair of scores–showing that he’s capable of big things when the ball is in his hands.

Asked to describe his running style, Carter paused for a brief moment–saying, “That’s a good question.”

He took a few seconds to think, then responded very simply, with a smirk etching across his face.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I like to score touchdowns.”

After enrolling in school back in January, Carter’s learning process initially started off slow during spring practice.

According to him, nagging injuries kept him from showing what he’s truly capable of until training camp in August.

Senior wide receiver Austin Proehl said after Saturday’s game that the difference in Carter from when he first arrived until now is extremely noticeable.

“Coming in January, spring was a little rough for him—just learning the offense,” Proehl said. “But in camp he took it upon himself to grow up and realize that we’re gonna need him to be successful.”

“He’s done a great job of growing up and realizing that he’s gotta help us win,” he added. “And I think he showed that today.”

Carter is still expected to split the rushing load with Brown moving forward–much like Hood and Logan have done in years past.

But if anything was promising about the UNC offense on Saturday, it’s the big play potential it possesses with him in the backfield.

As the season progresses, Tar Heel fans may have to do a double take when they see the number eight jersey scampering for a long touchdown.

No, TJ Logan didn’t make a surprise return to college. With Carter, however the Tar Heels may have found his surprise replacement.