University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: ANTHONY SORBELLINI
Carolina Football Q&A: Willie Lampkin
September 6, 2023 | Football
Player: Willie Lampkin
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
Number: 53
Why North Carolina?
Out of high school, I received a lot of Group of Five attention even though I always wanted to play at the Power five level. When I went to Coastal Carolina, I felt that I made the most of it. (Started 38 consecutive games during his three seasons with the Chanticleers, he was named the Sun Belt Offensive Lineman of the Year last season and garnered multiple All-Sun Belt honors over his three seasons). I felt that after those three seasons and what I had accomplished, I could reach my goal of playing at the power five level. I felt North Carolina was the right fit for me and I am so excited to be a Tar Heel.
What are you studying at UNC?
During my time at Coastal Carolina, I was studying Business Management. Now, after transferring to UNC, I am studying Exercise Science Sports Administration.
What does Willie's ideal day off in Chapel Hill look like?
I would start my day off with some treatment. Then, I would have to find somewhere to go eat. I love to eat. I'd see what some of the guys were doing as well. We'd eat, then we would find something to do. Honestly, it would be pretty low key.
What does Willie's ideal day off back home in Florida look like?
I love to see my granddad when I am home. He doesn't have the opportunity to come to my games because he has to work. Anytime I have the opportunity to go see my granddad, I try to take it. Spending time with him and my family is what I'd do.
What is the go-to meal when visiting home?
My mom's macaroni and cheese, collard greens and fried chicken. I love the classic soul food meal from home.
On not allowing a sack in game one:
Coach (Randy) Clements makes us work all the time. He wants us to maximize every opportunity. A lot of us on the offensive line have started a lot of football games and we know what it takes to win. Having a quarterback like Drake Maye, you want to do everything you can to give him the time in the pocket that he needs. After game one, we can see that with the experience we have on the offensive line, the things coach Clements is teaching us and what happens when Drake (Maye) has time, we can win football games.
Willie's professional plans after football is finished:
I want to be a coach and have some businesses on the side. I'd love to start off with some small businesses and gradually grow from there.
What should someone expect when they join the UNC Football program?
Discipline, a clear understanding of the expectations of being a student-athlete and a strong work ethic.
What is the one thing that would be the highlight of your life?
Be in the National Football League Hall of Fame.
What is the one thing that you can beat anyone in the locker room in?
I'll say shadow boxing instead of taking the easy way out and saying wrestling (won the 2A state championship at 285 pounds in wrestling after posting a perfect 47-0 record as a senior in high school).
For up-to-date information on Carolina football, visit GoHeels.com/Football and follow us on Twitter (@UNCFootball), Instagram (@uncfootball) and Facebook (Facebook.com/TarHeelFootball).
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
Number: 53
Why North Carolina?
Out of high school, I received a lot of Group of Five attention even though I always wanted to play at the Power five level. When I went to Coastal Carolina, I felt that I made the most of it. (Started 38 consecutive games during his three seasons with the Chanticleers, he was named the Sun Belt Offensive Lineman of the Year last season and garnered multiple All-Sun Belt honors over his three seasons). I felt that after those three seasons and what I had accomplished, I could reach my goal of playing at the power five level. I felt North Carolina was the right fit for me and I am so excited to be a Tar Heel.
What are you studying at UNC?
During my time at Coastal Carolina, I was studying Business Management. Now, after transferring to UNC, I am studying Exercise Science Sports Administration.
What does Willie's ideal day off in Chapel Hill look like?
I would start my day off with some treatment. Then, I would have to find somewhere to go eat. I love to eat. I'd see what some of the guys were doing as well. We'd eat, then we would find something to do. Honestly, it would be pretty low key.
What does Willie's ideal day off back home in Florida look like?
I love to see my granddad when I am home. He doesn't have the opportunity to come to my games because he has to work. Anytime I have the opportunity to go see my granddad, I try to take it. Spending time with him and my family is what I'd do.
What is the go-to meal when visiting home?
My mom's macaroni and cheese, collard greens and fried chicken. I love the classic soul food meal from home.
On not allowing a sack in game one:
Coach (Randy) Clements makes us work all the time. He wants us to maximize every opportunity. A lot of us on the offensive line have started a lot of football games and we know what it takes to win. Having a quarterback like Drake Maye, you want to do everything you can to give him the time in the pocket that he needs. After game one, we can see that with the experience we have on the offensive line, the things coach Clements is teaching us and what happens when Drake (Maye) has time, we can win football games.
Willie's professional plans after football is finished:
I want to be a coach and have some businesses on the side. I'd love to start off with some small businesses and gradually grow from there.
What should someone expect when they join the UNC Football program?
Discipline, a clear understanding of the expectations of being a student-athlete and a strong work ethic.
What is the one thing that would be the highlight of your life?
Be in the National Football League Hall of Fame.
What is the one thing that you can beat anyone in the locker room in?
I'll say shadow boxing instead of taking the easy way out and saying wrestling (won the 2A state championship at 285 pounds in wrestling after posting a perfect 47-0 record as a senior in high school).
For up-to-date information on Carolina football, visit GoHeels.com/Football and follow us on Twitter (@UNCFootball), Instagram (@uncfootball) and Facebook (Facebook.com/TarHeelFootball).
Players Mentioned
Offensive Line
/ Football
Quarterback
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