CHAPEL HILL -- North Carolina redshirt freshman Bryn Renner made an undeniable impact during the Tar Heels' spring game Saturday.
Renner, who has created much buzz throughout the spring, showed he certainly has an arm worth all the discussion. He gave the unusually large crowd at Kenan Stadium - announced at 29,500 - a look at his talent, steering the White team to a 17-0 victory over the Blue team on a warm, clear afternoon.
His performance - captured by ESPN's cameras - will most likely spark conversations about the Heels' starting quarterback position, which has been filled for three seasons by rising senior T.J. Yates. Based on the poise, arm strength and mobility Renner displayed Saturday, there will be those who want coach Butch Davis to replace Yates with him.
Davis said the starting quarterback position will remain open until at least 10 days before the Heels' first game against Louisiana State on Sept. 4.
"T.J. has earned the opportunity to be the guy that either earns the job or loses the job," Davis said. "And Bryn has put himself in position to unbelievably push for that job or significant playing time."
Davis said that Yates - who has started 30 games - still enjoys the upper hand in the competition because of his experience. He said Renner faced a "generic, basic" defense on Saturday, one that is not as nearly sophisticated as practice or game situations.
Still, the redshirt freshman delivered the goods.
Opening the game, Renner led the White team on a 13-play, 70-yard drive, capping it with a 9-yard touchdown strike to senior Greg Little. Later, at the end of the third quarter, he dropped back and launched a 55-yard pass - the longest of the game - down the middle of the field to junior Dwight Jones.
He rolled out and passed with assurance, looking comfortable in most situations he faced. He possessed a deft touch on short passes.
Renner completed 15 of 21 passes for 184 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked three times.
"He came to play today," Little said. "It really shocked me. It's one thing to do it in practice because it's scripted. But to actually come out here when the pressure's on, the lights are on, the people are watching, and to make plays like that. It's really something to see him progress into a playmaker."
Yates, who said he wanted to put last season behind him, didn't produce his strongest case for starting. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 122 yards. He was sacked five times. He found tight end Zack Pianalto for a 49-yard pass in the second quarter - his longest of the day.
"I thought I did decent," Yates said. "I didn't do as good as I could. There's always room for improvement."
Yates said he will concentrate on accuracy and efficiency this summer.
Renner, who now has more responsibility, was not perfect. His most egregious mistake came late in the second quarter when he took a shot downfield and threw an interception, picked off on the left sideline by safety Brian Gupton. He also threw a few passes short to open receivers.
Nevertheless, the energy Renner brought to the field will be talked about more than interceptions. He pumped his fist at completions and seemed to have a rhythm and chemistry with the offensive unit.
He was fiery yet reserved. It's a quality teammates noticed throughout the spring.
"He's a competitor," UNC senior defensive back Kendric Burney said. "I like to talk a lot of trash. But the kid, he talks it right back. He's eager to get better every day. He'll come ask you questions. ... He's just one of those guys that by the time he leaves here everybody in the country will know who he is."
Renner, from West Springfield, Va., is the son of a former NFL player and high school coach. He didn't seem that impressed by his performance, saying he doesn't see himself in a cut-throat competition.
He called Yates a mentor, saying he has been like an "older brother." He said they will watch film together of the spring game.
Saturday's game concluded a spring where Renner combined football practice with his play on UNC's baseball team. He actually played in a night baseball game after the spring game.
Davis said Renner needs to improve his mechanics and fundamentals if he intends to challenge for the starting position. That, he said, comes with intense practice.
"I think he's done outstanding," Davis said. "He's worked very, very hard. He's a film junkie. He has a lot of pride and wants to play well. And every day he closes that gap."
