I have been reading the various online accounts of the "heat" T.J. Yates has been taking - from all sides, by most accounts - for his mediocre play in 2009. The one group - as you would expect - that has Yates' back are his teammates. They all seem, at least publicly, to agree that he is getting too much of the blame for the team's performance and that he remains the best man for the job.

I'm not at practice, so I don't know if Yates is UNC's best QB option or not. Maybe under ideal cir****tances, he is. I do know this, however: There are others on the depth chart who will compete to be UNC's Quarterback of the Future. That fellow most definitely is not Yates. As a junior, Yates has one more year of eligibility. But the future belongs to someone else.

The question seems to be does UNC play for the future, or do the coaches "do the right thing" by Yates and leave him in position - essentially guaranteeing him the starting job in 2010?

My feeling is this: Yates ain't taking this team anywhere. The best case scenario for the Yates-led 'Heels is probably some meaningless December bowl game. If that satisfies the players. fans, alumni, administration, etc, then by all means, give Yates the vote of confidence - and the position in 2010. I would prefer, however, to see the staff play for the future and get some experience to the two who will most likely fight for the job post-Yates, Braden Hansen and Bryn Renner.

It is a shame that Yates' career has taken this path - but it is what it is. With an experienced, healthy line, experienced receivers and a running game loaded with potential, Yates is a passable game manager. But the 2009 edition of Carolina football has provided him few of those luxuries. It's time to face reality: 2009 is lost; time to play for 2010. To that end, I believe that no guarantees should be afforded Yates - or anyone, for that matter - regarding the future, and that the coaching staff needs to get experience to all those who will be looked upon for future contributions.

It would surely be a disappointment to waste Renner's redshirt 8 games into the season - but not if he is the best option for the future. Some gametime experience in 2009 will be invaluable if he has any shot at the job in 2010.

The time is now to make a move. At the very least, let Hansen & Renner get a taste of game action. The offensive line is probably as healthy as it will get this year, the running game has shown signs of life and the receivers are no longer wet-behind-the-ears rookies.

My fear is that the staff will stick with Yates - regardless of the outcome in the remaining games - and UNC will be stuck with him as the starter next year. We definitely do not need a repeat of 2009 in 2010. Time to move forward.