University of North Carolina Athletics
Peppers, Sims Among Top Six Picks
April 20, 2002 | Football
April 20, 2002
New York - University of North Carolina defensive linemen Julius Peppers and Ryan Sims were two of the first six players picked in Saturday's NFL Draft at Madison Square Garden in New York. It is first time in school history two Tar Heels have been selected in the top 10 in the same year.
"I'm excited for both Julius and Ryan," said head coach John Bunting. "They are both great people and both have great futures ahead of them in the NFL. Last season, Julius wasn't sure if he should come back for another year, but I think it's obvious he made the right decision. Julius worked hard in our program, received excellent coaching and was part of an outstanding team. I think it's great he will get to stay in the state of North Carolina and play for the Carolina Panthers.
Peppers matched the highest ever draft pick for a Tar Heel, equaling the No. 2 selection of Lawrence Taylor in 1981 and Ken Willard in 1965. Peppers, the 2001 Lombardi and Bednarik Award winner, finished his three-year Carolina career second in sacks and tackles for loss. He was a unananimous All-America selection last year and next season his jersey will hang from the facade of Kenan Stadium.
Over the last few weeks, several NFL analysts predicted Sims would be the first defensive tackle selected. That prediction came true when the Kansas City Chiefs traded up from the eighth pick to the sixth position so they could select Sims.
"Ryan believed in our program from the first day I became head coach and I think it really paid off for him this year," said Bunting. "He worked hard both on and off the field and was a leader on defense. He represented North Carolina in a first-class manner and I know he will continue to do so in Kansas City under Dick Vermeil."
"It feels great. I'm so blessed to be here," said Sims, who watched the draft in Atlanta with several family members and friends. "I just can't tell you how good it feels. A lot of people didn't know who I was before this year, but Coach Bunting and the Carolina coaching staff stood in my corner and helped me become a much better player. I'm so appreciative of what they did for me. I know that Coach Vermeil and Coach Bunting have a close relationship and that's one of the reasons I'm looking forward to the opportunity in Kansas City."
North Carolina and Florida State (twice) are the only two ACC to ever have two players selected in the first six picks of the NFL Draft.
"I'm thrilled to see North Carolina players, particularly defensive linemen, continue to make a huge impact on the NFL draft," said Bunting. "It's a tradition that my staff will work extremely hard to continue."
The Tar Heels have had five defensive linemen selected in the first round in the last five years. Greg Ellis and Vonnie Holliday were first-round picks in 1998, Ebenezer Ekuban was selected in the first round in 1999 and Peppers and Sims in 2002. No other ACC school can match that accomplishment.
