University of North Carolina Athletics
Deon Dyer Ready To Be A Senior
August 23, 1999 | Football
Aug. 23, 1999
By the time a football player gets to be a senior, he knows he has to be a leader. Most players gladly accept this challenge, and some assume the responsibility with such enthusiasm and sincerity that leadership emerges from every facet of their game. This is the case with fullback Deon Dyer.
Dyer has been one of Carolina's most productive offensive players the past two seasons. The Chesapeake, Va., native is a bruising blocker and ballcarrier, at a position that normally receives little attention.
He spent most of the 1997 season blocking for 1000-yard gainer Jonathan Linton, but last year Dyer led UNC with six rushing touchdowns, and caught a game-winning pass against Clemson. He rushed 84 times for 258 yards and scored in each of Carolina's regular-season victories.
"I want to go to another bowl game, so I am going to raise my own tempo and do whatever I can to raise the tempo of the team," Dyer said. "I might be spending some time at tailback, but I am concentrating on my weight and I am ready to go.
"I am making sure that I am in the best physical condition. I will weigh in the 240s by the season and I hope to be stronger than ever."
Dyer's personal highlight came last year in the regular-season finale against N.C. State. He rushed for 58 yards and two scores, and his 36-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was the longest of his career.
Dyer and Na Brown led UNC with seven touchdowns apiece. He played in every game, started all but the Duke game and was named the team's Most Outstanding Back. As a freshman in 1996, he was co-recipient of the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.
Dyer is especially proud of being recipient of the Team Spirit award. "I am a very spirited player because I love the game," he says. "I think in every situation, hard work pays off. I know sometimes it is tough, but I keep working hard because I love the game."
The Tar Heels have only three starters remaining from the 1997 team that won 11 games and finished fourth in the final polls. All three, including Dyer, are on offense. Although Carolina is the only team in the country to have won a postseason bowl in each of the past four years, Dyer is quick to point out that the seniors are not satisfied.
"We set goals for our team and we didn't reach them last year. We are proud of our accomplishments, but we want more," Dyer said. "We want to continue to win and get to another bowl."
By: Darlene Camacho
Media Relations Assistant
