University of North Carolina Athletics
Quinn Named Freshman All-America
December 17, 2008 | Football
Dec. 17, 2008
Chapel Hill, N.C. ---- University of North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn has been named first-team Freshman All-America by Rivals.com. The rookie defensive end from Ladson, S.C., started 11 of 12 games this season and finished with 32 tackles, 6.5 losses, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Quinn, who won the ACC's 2008 Piccolo Award as the league's most courageous football player, had his best game against Georgia Tech with six tackles and two fumbles forced.
Quinn, in his senior year in high school, was diagnosed with a brain tumor after collapsing in his family bathroom. A CT scan revealed a tumor that was blocking his spinal cavity. Fortunately, the tumor was determined to be benign. Quinn then underwent a five-hour emergency surgery that included having a shunt placed in his brain to relieve fluid buildup. He signed with the Tar Heels in February and has developed into a consistent player.
