UNC football loses two more players to transfer portal, including a former starter
North Carolina receiver Emery Simmons and defensive tackle Kristian Varner both entered the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday. They mark the second players at their position to leave the team within the past three weeks.
The departures aren’t catching UNC coach Mack Brown off guard. He spoke about the transfer portal last week on a video call with reporters. Roster management is now a priority for every program because of the amount of transfers. Brown said the coaching staff continues to have candid conversations with the players in terms of playing time and where they stand.
Players who believe they are not getting enough playing time, not getting the ball enough or see no hope for the future because of incoming recruits at the same position are more often than not going to seek out the portal, Brown said.
“You’re going to see a lot of guys transferring every year that aren’t playing as much and they’re going to transfer for playing time — and that’s fair,” Brown said. “And that’s what we’ve asked our guys to do is just let us know, as soon as you can, if you’re not going to be here.”
Simmons, a 6-foot junior from Parkton, North Carolina, started the first six games of this season before being replaced in the lineup by Justin Olson the past two games. Simmons ranked fourth on the team with 11 receptions and was third with 243 yards. He also had a touchdown against Georgia State.
Varner, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound sophomore, played in six of the Tar Heels’ eight games this season and is credited with two tackles.
“I’ve told the coaches, it’s not like somebody quitting,” Brown said. “It’s the NCAA is giving guys opportunities to go get something. In their mind, that’s better without having a lot of patience. They don’t wait anymore.”
Receiver Khafre Brown and defensive lineman Clyde Pinder Jr. entered the portal last month. In all, the Heels (4-4) have had seven players enter the portal, including running back Josh Henderson, since August.
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 4:49 PM.