Locals in the UNC lineup

Charlotte Latin graduate Mark Paschal and safety Deunta Williams, who entered North Carolina’s camp as backups, worked with the first-team defense during drills open to the media during the first half of Thursday’s practice.

Paschal was practicing at middle linebacker with the starters, and Williams was at safety alongside Trimane Goddard. Paschal has lost about five to seven pounds since weighing 235 in the spring, and said he is faster.

"I guess whenever you lose some weight it affects your speed," Paschal said. "It’s one of those things where you just go out and try to work on a certain part of your game every day. Over the summer, that’s something I really focused on."

T.J. Yates remained with the first team at quarterback, and Anthony Elzy worked with the first team at tailback before the second half of practice was closed to the media. – Ken Tysiac