University of North Carolina Athletics
Monday Practice Notes
August 6, 2007 | Football
Aug. 6, 2007
By Adam Lucas
Sometimes, wearing a jersey that's a different color than the usual navy (offense) or white (defense) isn't a good sign at practice. But during the first part of training camp, the Tar Heel defense has instituted a yellow jersey that's become a badge of honor. It's awarded to the player who was deemed the best hustler in the previous day's practice, and it belonged to Aleric Mullins on Monday...One late-practice period on Monday was devoted to getting off four plays in one minute, with a constantly moving clock. It's more difficult than it sounds...
The Tar Heels enjoyed post-practice watermelon in an effort to keep them hydrated. Chapel Hill temperatures are expected to stay near 100 degrees through at least Thursday. Nutritionist Jenn Ketterly, who works with the entire athletic department, gave the squad a four-prong key to staying healthy through camp: hydrate, lunch, supplements, and recovery. In an effort to help hydration, everyone on the team is carrying a water bottle that is supposed to be full at all times...
From a media perspective, Cam Sexton has turned into the forgotten man in the three-way quarterback battle behind T.J. Yates and Mike Paulus. Sexton quietly made some mechanical adjustments after what he admitted was a "struggling" spring, but he has also improved his leadership skills. "I know what guys are looking for from me," he says. "Leadership is confidence. Guys appreciate someone who comes in the huddle and is knowledgeable. If they see confidence, they will respond to that."...Sexton's evaluation of the quarterbacks after four days of practice: "Right now I'm taking the reps with the 2's. T.J. is taking the 1's, and I think Mike Paulus and Ben Johnson are splitting up the 3's." The status of those players next week at this time is likely to be much more revealing about their playing time potential...
Warning to opposing defenses: the ACC's leading returning receiver, Hakeem Nicks, says he's much better than he was last year at this time. "I feel like I'm a whole lot faster and I've dropped some weight," says Nicks, who is down to 208 after playing at 215 as a record-setting freshman. "My route running has improved a whole lot." How about catching the ball, Hakeem? "I've still got these big mitts," Nicks said with a laugh...Speaking of big, it's not just Kevin Bryant who sports a size-19 shoe. Freshman offensive lineman Alan Pelc also wears a 19...
Monday was the last day without full pads, but there was still some close-to-live action. Shaun Draughn had what would have been a thunderous hit at full speed in 9-on-9 drills, and Brooks Foster came right back on the next play with a sprawling catch on the sideline...Darius Powell received the biggest "Ooohhhs" of the day from his teammates on the line when he battled Bryant in an o-line vs. d-line drill.
Adam Lucas most recently collaborated on a behind-the-scenes look at Carolina Basketball with Wes Miller. The Road To Blue Heaven will be released on September 1. Lucas's other books on Carolina basketball include The Best Game Ever, which chronicles the 1957 national championship season, Going Home Again, which focuses on Roy Williams's return to Carolina, and Led By Their Dreams, a collaboration with Steve Kirschner and Matt Bowers on the 2005 championship team.
Players Mentioned
