Demon June took advantage of his new role
As North Carolina moved to 2-1 on the season with a win over Richmond on Saturday, it was running back Demon June leading the way with the ground attack.
The freshman running back rushed for 148 rushing yards on 14 carries on Saturday, making his impact known early in his career. And he took advantage of the extra reps while moving up North Carolina’s depth chart.
He was down the depth chart as the Spring began, and it remained that way through the Summer. But now in Week 3, he’s made the most of an opportunity, and the competition helped him.
“You don’t really focus on things like that. You just play your game, stay down, try to stay consistent day by day, June said. “It’s a good, competitive room with other guys like Bullet (Davion Gause) and Hoodie (Caleb Hood) and Ben (Benjamin Hall). Just having them to push me every day to be able to showcase this stuff, it just felt good. But once you’re all in a room with each other, you’re trying to fight for a spot.”
Despite being down on the depth chart to begin his career, June didn’t give up. An opportunity would come eventually. That happened on Saturday night, showing his downhill running ability including a 45-yard touchdown run for the Tar Heels.
He stayed consistent throughout the process.
“I feel like it’s just staying consistent. Coming in every day and wanting to get better,” June said. “You’re with a bunch of guys every day, you see other guys getting better and climbing the depth chart. It just makes you want to be even hungrier to show what you got.”
With his performance on Saturday, I imagine June will get more reps as the weeks go on. North Carolina’s passing attack has struggled to start the season so relying on the run moving forward will be important. The Tar Heels can use their depth to help ignite the offense.
But June looks like he will be a factor no matter down the stretch.
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