news-record.com

CHAPEL HILL (MCT) — North Carolina's offensive line took another hit Wednesday when offensive tackle Carl Gaskins tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The sophomore from Melbourne, Fla., will miss the entire season while recovering from the injury.

While Gaskins only played in five games in 2008, he was being counted to be Kyle Jolly's backup at left tackle this season.

The Tar Heels' depth up front has become a big concern.

UNC knew it was going to lose seniors Garrett Reynolds and Calvin Darity off last year's team.

Then came the surprises.

First Aaron Stahl decided to graduate rather than return for a final season.

Then reserve Kevin Bryant opted this week not to return to Chapel Hill for what would've been his sophomore season. Bryant faces misdemeanor charges in Durham County for assaulting a female.

Finally came Gaskins' news.

That leaves Jolly and center Lowell Dyer as established starters on the offensive line and a whole lot of question marks at the other positions.

Redshirt freshman Jonathan Cooper is battling junior Greg Elleby for starting left guard. Alan Pelc is pencilled to be the starter at right guard (Bryant had been listed as his back-up). And junior Mike Ingersoll is the odds-on favorite to start at right tackle.

In other injury news, senior tight end Ryan Taylor sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during Tuesday's practice. He is expected to miss about a month.