Coach Invoice Belichick has his first quarterback for UNC, naming switch Gio Lopez the starter in opposition to TCU in Week 1.
“Gio’s made a ton of progress,” Belichick stated Wednesday. “We’ve evaluated issues by means of coaching camp, and now as we prepare for TCU, he’ll be our beginning quarterback. So we’ll give him the vast majority of the reps in follow, and make it possible for we get him as a lot preparation as doable — however all people must be able to go.
“However I really feel very snug with him and what he’s doing, however he’ll get higher as we go ahead.”
Lopez stated he discovered the information shortly earlier than Belichick spoke to reporters Wednesday and stated he referred to as his dad after being named the starter.
“(Belichick) simply sort of advised me I’ve seemed good throughout fall camp and advised me that I’m going to get the reins of the offense,” Lopez stated, “and I’m simply grateful for the chance. Once more, speaking to my dad, it’s like, ‘I’m going to be Coach Belichick’s first beginning quarterback in faculty.’”
Lopez transferred from South Alabama in April after spending two seasons with the Jaguars, and plenty of anticipated him to turn into the Tar Heels’ starter when he dedicated to UNC.
Max Johnson will likely be Lopez’s backup, with true freshmen Au’Tori Newkirk and Bryce Baker additionally on the QB depth chart. Johnson began for North Carolina in Week 1 final yr however suffered a ugly damage when he broke his leg on a sack within the third quarter of the 19-17 win in opposition to Minnesota. He underwent 5 surgical procedures and an extended interval of rehabilitation, and he even thought at one level that he would possibly lose his leg.
Lopez grew to become South Alabama’s full-time starter in 2024, throwing for two,559 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 11 begins. He accomplished 66 % of his passes and rushed for 463 yards and 7 touchdowns, main the Jaguars to an look within the Salute to Veterans Bowl, which he missed with an damage.
“He was very profitable at South Alabama; that’s what received him right here,” vast receiver Jordan Shipp stated of Lopez. “We name him Magic Johnson. … He could make each play, make each throw, irrespective of the place. So having a quarterback like that, it’s positively an enormous alternative for giant performs. He can simply get out of the pocket, and I do know he has the belief in me.
“There’s occasions the place he’ll simply throw it up and let me go make a play, and that’s one thing I’m grateful for.”
When requested about his nickname “Magic Johnson”, Lopez stated somebody referred to as him that after he made a no-look cross in follow, and the title “sort of caught.” (Johnson’s signature transfer was the no-look cross throughout his 13-year NBA enjoying profession with the Los Angeles Lakers.)
The Tar Heels will host TCU on Labor Day at 8 p.m. in Belichick’s teaching debut in Chapel Hill, N.C. The longtime New England Patriots’ coach is trying to enhance this system after going 6-7 final season underneath Mack Brown.
(Picture: David Jensen / Getty Photos)
