Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Lose Depth Tight End to Portal

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After a day full of defections to the transfer portal, things have slowed down on Thursday with the Tar Heels having lost just one player to the transfer portal so far today.

As first reported by Tar Heel Illustrated, the Tar Heels have lost sophomore tight end Julien Randolph to the transfer portal following the conclusion of spring practice over the weekend. He will have three years of eligibility remaining wherever he lands.

Randolph, who was one of eight tight ends in camp with the Tar Heels this spring, played in just four games in his Tar Heel career. He missed all of 2023 with a lower-body injury, but returned this season to play 22 snaps in the first four games, all on special teams. He would not play a single snap the rest of the season, though, leading into this important spring camp. With Bryson Nesbit and John Copenhaver gone, it felt like the opportunity was there for him, but he was passed over on the depth chart by a transfer and some younger guys.

When it comes to what this means for the tight end room, the group should still be in good shape. They have the experienced run blocking option in Jake Johnson, who played 202 snaps last season, coming back and both Connor Cox and Ryan Ward showed plenty of potential in the ‘Practice Like a Pro’ event that took place on Saturday night. If the staff wants to add another young guy to the room for depth purposes, it would make sense, but they would be fine as is.