What is known is that North Carolina has lost their 2010 leader rusher to a season-ending injury. What’s not yet known is whether or not the Tar Heels will burn what has turned into a redshirt season for their 2009 leading rusher.
Ryan Houston missed the first five games of the season due to the NCAA’s twin investigations into the school’s football program, and did not play in the last four after being reinstated because the plan was for him to use his available redshirt. Then came a broken collarbone suffered by Johnny White, which may change Houston’s redshirt plans. Maybe.
On the weekly ACC head coaches’ teleconference, Butch Davis said no decision has been made on using Houston this week and beyond. Instead, any decision on burning the redshirt on what would amount to a four-game season would likely be made shortly before Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech.
“We haven’t decided any of those right now,” Davis said Wednesday.
“I’ve had conversations with Ryan. That will probably be a potential game-time decision.”
Adding to the uncertainty is the health of second-leading rusher Shaun Draughn. The senior is bothered by an ankle injury, and his availability for this weekend’s game could go a long way in determining which direction the Tar Heels will go when it comes to Houston.