Photos: Your first look at UNC Tar Heels at their first practice of 2023 football season
By Robert T Willett
Raleigh
The North Carolina Tar Heels held their first practice of the 2023 season on Wednesday, Aug. 2 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Coach Mack Brown begins his fifth season as head coach after returning to Chapel Hill in 2018.
Quarterback Drake Maye returns to run the offense after a record breaking 2022 season.
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) works on a footwork and mobility drill at the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) gives running back Elijah Green (21) a pat on the head during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) breaks open on a long run during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running backs coach Larry Porter works with Elijah Green (21) during their first day of practice on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) breaks open on a long run during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) and Conner Harrell (15) works out during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) carries the ball during the Tar Heels’ first day of practice on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver Kobe Paysour (8) breaks away from freshman linebacker Amare Campbell (17), after a reception from quarterback Duke Maye on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receive Nate McCollum (6) looks for running room after a reception from quarterback Drake Maye on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive line coach Tim Cross works with his players during the Tar Heels’ practice on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Beau Atkinson (12) hits a tackle ring at the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina assistant head coach for defensive Gene Chizik, has a word with the defensive unit including Desmond Evans (10) and Cedric Gray (33) during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown watches his team during their first day of practice on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive back Lejond Cavazos (6) runs through a drill during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina assistant head coach for defensive Gene Chizik works with the defensive unit during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina tight ends John Copenhaver (81) and Kamari Morales (88) listen to to coach Freddie Kitchens during their first day of practice on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey works with Drake Maye (10) during the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown and his wife Sally walk together across the practice field at the conclusion of the Tar Heels’ first practice of the season on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
This story was originally published August 2, 2023 at 5:24 PM.
