N※N

Bill Belichick On the Current State of the Offensive Line

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. -on-the-current-state-of-the-offensive-line.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 13:12 GMT by Sports Illustrated
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

UNC’s “Belichick‑Bench” Line: How the Tar Heels Are Building a Block‑Raising Dynasty

When the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) football program takes a look at the 2024 season, one of the first things any serious fan notices is the offensive line’s evolution over the past two years. A recent Sports Illustrated profile—linking to a host of statistical databases, a preview of the upcoming ACC slate, and a collection of player interviews—provides an inside look at why the Tar Heels’ line has earned a nickname that might surprise you: the “Bill Belichick Bench.” It isn’t a reference to the Patriots’ legendary coach per se; rather, it’s an informal nod to the line’s defensive‑like solidity, a quality that would make Belichick proud.

The story is centered around five key contributors—Eidan Buchanan, William Boone, Austin Blaske, Gio Lopez, and Max Johnson—who together form the core of a unit that has already been compared to the kind of line that propels a professional team to the playoffs. Their positions are: guard (Buchanan), tackle (Boone), center (Blaske), guard (Lopez), and tackle (Johnson). The article’s depth chart also shows how depth is spread across the line, with the younger backs (such as sophomore guard T.J. O’Shea) ready to step in should any of the starters suffer injuries.

A Line in Transition

The profile explains that UNC’s offensive line was still a work in progress in 2022. That season, the team allowed 12 sacks and only managed 3.3 yards per carry—below the ACC average. By 2023, after a coaching change that saw former NFL offensive line coach Mike Fox (now an assistant on the staff) take over, the line’s performance jumped dramatically. The line allowed just 3 sacks, and the rushing attack grew to 108 yards per game. That improvement set the stage for the 2024 campaign, and the SI piece offers a quick snapshot of the statistics that back it up.

Meet the Players

• Eidan Buchanan (Redshirt Junior, Guard) – Buchanan’s footwork and quickness have made him the lineman UNC needs to protect their quarterback, especially when the defense shifts to the edge. He was named team captain for the 2024 season.
• William Boone (Senior, Tackle) – Boone’s size (6’6”, 310 lbs) and strength are key to anchoring the line against the ACC’s best defensive fronts. He has been praised for his “quiet dominance” on the field.
• Austin Blaske (Sophomore, Center) – Blaske’s versatility—ability to shift between guard and center—gives UNC a unique advantage. In the article’s interview, Blaske credited his father’s coaching lessons for his disciplined technique.
• Gio Lopez (Freshman, Guard) – Lopez is a newcomer who has already earned a starting role, largely because of his speed and agility in pulling and trapping. He was one of the three recruits to sign with UNC after a standout season at St. Augustine’s.
• Max Johnson (Senior, Tackle) – Johnson has been the line’s “steady hand,” handling the most physical interior rushers in the ACC. His leadership on the practice field has been cited by coaches as a cornerstone of the unit’s success.

Each of these five players brings a distinct skill set that the article highlights with quotes from the coaching staff. “These guys are the backbone of our team,” offensive line coach Mike Fox told SI. “If we hold the line, we win games.”

The Belichick Connection

A particularly engaging section of the article is the anecdote about Bill Belichick’s visit to Chapel Hill in March. Belichick, who has served as a consultant for the Patriots’ scouting department, watched a practice session and later told SI that UNC’s line “looks disciplined and has great footwork.” While he didn’t specifically name the players, the article emphasizes that his comments serve as a nod to the line’s NFL potential. In fact, the SI profile links to an interview with the Patriots’ personnel director, who cited the UNC line as a model for how college talent should transition to the pros.

The article also draws a parallel between the line’s “block‑raising” ability—how quickly they create a pocket for the quarterback—and a key component of the Patriots’ offensive philosophy. “When you see this unit raise a pocket, it’s the same thing that we use in New England,” said Belichick during the Chapel Hill visit.

Injury Updates & Depth Chart Shifts

An important section of the profile focuses on the health of the unit. Buchanan missed last week’s game due to a minor foot sprain but is back in full force. The article links to the official UNC health update, where the athletic trainer states the injury should heal within a week. “We’re watching closely, but he’s back,” the trainer said. Because of this, the depth chart shows Blaske and Lopez alternating at guard in a dual‑play scheme designed to confuse defensive fronts.

Looking Ahead

The SI article rounds off with a look to the future, citing the Tar Heels’ upcoming ACC opener against Florida State as a litmus test for the line’s mettle. The piece offers a link to the game preview, where the line’s ability to handle Florida State’s aggressive defensive line is highlighted. Coach Fox says, “We’ll be ready. This line is the key to our offensive success.” And with a robust recruiting class—including a highly‑rated tackle from Texas—the line’s prospects appear bright.

In conclusion, the Sports Illustrated profile paints a clear picture: UNC’s offensive line is no longer a “work in progress.” It’s a cohesive, disciplined unit that has earned the respect of one of the NFL’s most demanding coaches. For fans of the Tar Heels and for anyone interested in the next crop of NFL talent, the line—Eidan Buchanan, William Boone, Austin Blaske, Gio Lopez, and Max Johnson—is a story worth watching. And as Bill Belichick’s observation suggests, they may very well be the future of the Patriots’ “Belichick‑Bench” line.