All Tar Heels

Social Media Erupts Over Freshman's Performance in Tar Heels Win

North Carolina Tar Heels fans loved Demon June's play to start off the first quarter.
Sienna Ayes|
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick greets Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick greets Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Freshman RB Excels in First Start

Freshman Demon June wasted no time making his mark on the field for Week 3's matchup against Richmond. He came out hot as an offensive weapon, bursting with speed and gaining 50 yards for the Tar Heels in the first quarter.

June's biggest highlight came when he scored a 45-yard run with 8:13 left in the game.

June finished with 148 yards and averaged 10.4 yards per carry.

Is this the beginning of UNC crafting its recipe for success? It is too early to tell whether this initial firepower will continue to carry UNC's offensive game, or will this blast from the past become a short-lived moment?

Jordan Shipp Continues to Impress

Wide open on the field, Shipp created space and jumped to catch a pass from Gio Lopez. The sophomore proved he was a valuable asset to the Tar Heels in Week 1 against TCU. However, it was never a question of whether he had the skill; rather, it was whether or not he would continue to show up as the weeks progressed.

Gio Lopez Was Responsible for Three Touchdowns But Still Needs to Improve

Lopez displayed moments of quick decision-making and aggression, but he also hesitated at times and was slow to react. He completed 55% of his passes for 119 yards with two touchdown passes and ran for a score as well. However, he still looked as shaky as he did in the previous two games.

The Carolina Defense Continue to Dominate

The first half began a little slow, but the defense was lights out from beginning to end just like against. The defensive line is finally having an impact, as seen through their first two sacks from Melkart Abou-Jaoude.

Carolina's defense came out with the kind of discipline that long defined Belichick and his coaching style. This was one admirable thing for the Tar Heels in the first half, despite the offense's slow start.

The defensive unit kept momentum firmly in Carolina's hands by sending an early message to the Spiders that they came prepared and equipped with aggression. The defense kept Richmondoff the scoreboard until a late field goal in the final seconds.

O-Line's Run Blocking Improves, but Recesses on Pass Blocking

However, Carolina's defensive strength is not enough to establish them as a prominent team in the ACC, if their offense cannot show up consistently.

North Carolina’s offensive line opened the night with an imposing display in the run game. The unit carved out wide lanes and sealed edges effectively, springing Demon June and the Tar Heel backfield for a combined 189 rushing yards in the first half alone. Their physicality at the point of attack gave UNC’s offense an early rhythm and showcased the group’s potential as a run-blocking force.

Demon June continued to carry the offense into the second half, running in a 45-yard touchdown, adding to a total of 148 yards run by the freshman running back.

But the same dominance didn’t always carry over to pass protection - an issue that has lingered through the first two games. Richmond’s front managed to generate pressure in key moments, forcing Gio Lopez to scramble or release the ball quicker than designed. The Spiders also sacked him twice, the first time an opponent had done so all year.

For UNC to truly stabilize its offense under Belichick, the line will need to combine its fierce run blocking with more reliable pass protection. Consistency up front could be the difference between flashes of explosiveness and sustained success.

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Sienna Ayes
SIENNA AYES

Sienna Ayes is pursuing her passion for journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A curious and talented writer, she combines those qualities with her love for sports, creating a dynamic presence that sets her apart.