CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina's Gio Bernard sounds eager to run in the offense installed by new coach Larry Fedora.

Bernard ran for 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, becoming the first UNC player to run for more than 1,000 yards in a season since 1997. The 5-foot-10 sophomore tailback is now figuring out his role in Fedora's attack, which is more of a spread system that sets up well for the pass.

However, Fedora's last team at Southern Mississippi averaged more than 205 yards rushing.

Fedora said during the Tar Heels' preseason media day Saturday that he thinks Bernard is excited about the opportunity to touch the ball even more. Bernard said the biggest change is the faster tempo Fedora wants his team to use.

UNC opened preseason practice Friday.