A key offensive lineman returns to UNC just a few weeks after announcing his retirement
It’s been just two weeks since offensive lineman Khaliel Rodgers announced he was retiring from football via his Facebook account.
But now Rodgers has decided to return to the program and it could be a big boost for the Tar Heels.
Head coach Larry Fedora and his staff were able to land the University of South Carolina graduate transfer back on May, filling a key void on the offensive line. With Rodgers, UNC’s offensive line was expected to improve.
After his retirement just days into camp, the Tar Heels offensive line became a question mark once again.
That has changed.
Rodgers announced on Friday that he would be returning to the program again just two weeks before they open the season against Cal.
Fedora told the North State Journal that Rodgers had to take care of some personal stuff but is now back.
As for any reps he missed, Fedora says it’s just a waiting game.
“You’ve got to think there’s a lot of things he missed out on,” Fedora said via NSJ. “We’ll have to wait and see until he gets into some live situations. (But) it’s good to have him back.”
The 6-foot-3, 315-pound lineman has three years of college football experience playing for the Trojans and hopes to be an anchor on the Tar Heels line.
With an offense that lost a lot of talent, the offensive line could be one of the bright spots this season.
They will be blocking for a new quarterback and opening up lanes for a new running back this year, so getting in sync will be key.
Can they mesh in time for the season opener? Stay tuned.
