University of North Carolina Athletics
New Faces To Watch For 2003 Tar Heels
April 14, 2003 | Football
April 14, 2003
* There are three new faces in the offensive backfield-tailbacks Chad Scott and Ronnie McGill and fullback Rikki Cook. Scott and Cook are transfers (Scott from Kentucky and Cook from Rutgers) and McGill a freshman who entered school in January. Any of the three could be starters, and John Bunting and running backs coach Andre Powell said halfway through spring ball that Scott was running No. 1 at tailback.
"Chad's totally different from what we've got," Powell says. "He's fast, he's got great vision, good balance and can run with power. He's putting pressure on the other guys. If our season started today, he'd be the starter."
McGill is a strong runner, mature for his years and was impressive early in spring practice before being hobbled with a sprained ankle. He was not heavily recruited, getting only a scholarship offer from Appalachian State before the Tar Heels got involved, primarily because he played quarterback his freshman through junior years.
"Boy, he is powerful," says Powell. "He's smart and takes the ball where it's supposed to go. He runs hard and blocks hard. I think we snuck him in under the radar."
* Offensive tackle Brian Chacos is a 6-4, 281-pound sophomore who's moved from tight end this spring. Offensive line coach Hal Hunter said he's made the most progress of anyone at his position this spring.
"He's making a push for the first group," Hunter says. "He's a quick learner, he's a big kid, he's athletic, and he competes. I'll be surprised if he doesn't play."
* Cornerback Cedrick Holt started last year's Duke game as a true freshman and played extensively the week before at Florida State.
"Cedrick has a knack, he's got a good set of instincts," secondary coach Jim Fleming says. "Over the winter and spring he's gotten the scheme down, he's now playing more confident and making more plays. Some kids have an ability to see things, and he's one of those guys. He's got a tremendous future."
* Melik Brown, a new arrival from Hargrave Military Academy, could eventually be a defensive end but for the moment is starting at strongside linebacker.
"Melik's jumped up and won the starting job right now," says Bunting. "He'll get some competition from Clarence Gaddy in summer camp. He's a tough kid and a fine athlete."
