University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Step Up In NFL Preseason
August 12, 2003 | Football
Aug. 12, 2003
Last year at this time, Zach Hilton and Sam Aiken were going through training camp with John Bunting. This year, they're going through training camp in the NFL. Tight end Zach Hilton, a nondrafted free agent trying to stick with the New Orleans Saints, caught a touchdown pass in the Saints' loss to Philadelphia on Monday night. New Orleans head coach Jim Haslett singled out Hilton for praise.
"I didn't really see any young guys step up to the plate, except for Zachary Hilton," Haslett said.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Sam Aiken, a fourth round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills, is trying to sort his way through a crowded Bills receiver battle. Buffalo has a mix of veterans and rookies that makes training camp very interesting. Aiken, however, has moved up to the third receiver position according to the latest news on the team's official web site. Last year, Aiken set UNC single-season record for receptions (68) and receiving yards (990).
A couple of other Tar Heels are trying to make NFL squads at the wide receiver position, including 2002 graduate Chesley Borders and school-record holder Ronald Curry. Borders caught three passes for 42 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter in Cincinnati's loss on Sunday evening.
In Oakland, Curry has made the move from kick returner/quarterback to wideout. In the Raiders' win last week, Curry had two catches for 29 yards.
In New York, defensive back Kevin Knight had two tackles in the Jets' win over Cincinnati.
