University of North Carolina Athletics
Extra Points Q&A
November 8, 2002 | Football
Nov. 8, 2002
By Lee Pace
This week I received one of the most concise and direct letters ever. Here it is, from John Drake (UNC '67) of Sterling, Va.
I was there.
I can abide the mistakes.
I can abide the fact that for the most part, we don't have the talent yet in some areas (but we did beat Arizona State at their place and they are now ranked!).
I can abide the injuries-they are part of the game.
WHAT I CANNOT ABIDE IS THE UNDISCIPLINED PLAY!
The unsportsmanlike penalties that kill you.
I'll be back next week for Clemson.
And next year.
And the next.
Because I bleed Carolina Blue.
But I won't be happy until the kids start understanding that the game is about sportsmanship and not ego.
Outstanding points. You will be interested to know that John Bunting shares your concerns.
"The penalties are the most disappointing thing," Bunting said of the free-fall the Tar Heels have endured since halftime of the Virginia game (Carolina's been outscored 127-13). "I don't like it. It's got to stop. It's a mindset. To me, it's about discipline. The late hits really disturb me. To me, that's 'High School Harry.' These are things they should have learned by now. We've got to be more disciplined. We've got to understand there's fall-out from something like that."
Bunting was his usual direct and confident self this week despite the Tar Heels' 2-7 record and October woes. Some of his comments through the week might address some of the many questions Tar Heel fans have posed this week.
One, Bunting plans a thorough evaluation and critique of every aspect of the program during the off-season.
"Obviously, it will start with me," he said. "I think we can do better. And we will."
Two, he believes staff continuity is critical and hopes to keep his roster of nine assistants together. Bunting said the health of offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill, who had surgery last December to repair a lung infection, is not an issue. Tranquill plans to coach in 2003 and beyond.
Three, he understands it's difficult for fans to remain supportive during a tumble such as the losses to N.C. State, Virginia, Wake Forest and Maryland.
"You know there's going to be some unhappiness," he said. "I don't blame them at all. But we're going to get this done. I've not lost any confidence about that."
It looks like Coach Bunting and the staff have a great recruiting haul going. Can you tell me how many scholarships are available as some players have left the program?Will a coach always recruit up to their limit?
Scott Edwards, Raleigh
Carolina is looking to sign between 16 and 20 players. Should the Heels sign any junior-college players, those would count toward the limit of 25 that can be signed in any one year. Bunting wants to build his roster back up to the limit of 85 scholarships and also is working to beef up Carolina's walk-on program. This fall the Tar Heels entered the season with only eight recruited, scholarship players listed as seniors-1998 freshman class members Zach Hilton, Chesley Borders, Eric Davis and DeFonte Coleman and 1999 freshman class members Sam Aiken, Michael Waddell, Kevin Knight and Malcolm Stewart. Waddell has another year of eligibility (he did not play in 1999) and, according to Bunting, is going to return in 2003. So Bunting doesn't have as many seniors as usual to replace, but the squad's scholarship numbers are waning because of attrition over the last two years.
 Greg Williams  |
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Mark Dunn, Charlotte
Mark bolsters the point I made last week about the talent and maturity of those 1996 and 1997 Carolina teams. I cited only the players who went on to more than a brief stay in the NFL-Robert Williams played three seasons, Brown two and Bly is still active with St. Louis. But the one member of that secondary who didn't stick in the pros has nonetheless gone on to a productive professional career in the ancillary leagues. Mark contacted Greg Williams on our behalf, and Williams sends the following missive to Tar Heel fans:
I appreciate you following up on the article. I know my brief stay in the NFL was not that significant, but I appreciate you taking the time to mention where I've been and what I'm doing. Right now I'm playing in the Arena Football League for the Indianapolis Firebirds. I've been with this team for two years now. Thanks again for taking the time out to do this.That whole era was a special time for all of us and I was lucky enough to play with a great group of guys.
Greg Williams, Indianapolis
TarHeelBlue.com football expert Lee Pace will again answer your questions about the Carolina program this season in an exclusive column published each Friday. Pace, editor of the Extra Points newsletter that appears each Monday morning, will answer your questions on personnel, strategy, opponents and anything on your mind about the Tar Heels. Please send your questions to Lee at lpace@nc.rr.com, and include your first and last names and your hometown.
