University of North Carolina Athletics
Nicks, Quinn Taken On First Day Of 2009 NFL Draft
April 25, 2009 | Football
"I'm excited about the opportunity that is ahead of me in New York," said Nicks. "I was just waiting around today to hear my name called and was relieved when it happened. I got a call from Coach (Tom) Coughlin right before they made the pick. It's something I've prepared my whole life for and I look forward to the challenge."
Nicks played three seasons in Chapel Hill and opted to turn pro after a record-setting performance in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte when he caught eight passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Nicks set 14 school records, including career marks in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns. As a junior last season, he caught 68 passes for 1,222 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first player in school history with more than 1,000 yards receiving.
Nicks is the 30th first-round draft choice Butch Davis has produced as a college coach.
Quinn improved dramatically during his final season in Chapel Hill. The Maple Heights, Ohio, was a solid blocking tight end during his first two seasons at Carolina, but became a productive receiver with eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in 2008. He started 12 games last season and had a 32-yard scoring reception in the win at Duke. Quinn spent four years in Chapel Hill, but missed the 2006 season with a fractured shoulder blade. He finished his UNC career with 12 catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
The last time two Tar Heels were selected among the first 64 picks was in 2002 when defensive end Julius Peppers was the No. 2 overall pick and defensive tackle Ryan Sims was the No. 6 overall pick.
