Madison Hedgecock

Position:
Fullback
Height:
6-3
Weight:
260
Class:
Senior
Hometown:
Wallburg, N.C.
High School:
Ledford

Will return to fullback this fall after playing defensive end the last two seasons • Allows the Tar Heels the option of using a true fullback after operating primarily out of a two-tailback set in 2003 • Called the "best blocking back" in the ACC by The Sporting News • Played fullback as a freshman and sophomore • Earned "Super Ram" status in the weight room in each of the last two seasons • Holds UNC records in the bench press (435 lbs.) and power clean (385) by a fullback.

2003: Junior season
Played in all 12 games and started 11 at defensive end • Only game he did not start was the season opener against Florida State • Played more snaps than any other defensive lineman and more than any other defensive player other than senior safety Dexter Reid • Was fifth on the team with 55 tackles, including 40 primary stops and 15 assists, six tackles for losses of 13 yards, 1.5 sacks for six yards, two fumble recoveries, three quarterback hurries and one sack • Had at least three tackles in every game • Had seven tackles, including five solo stops, against Syracuse • Had a season-high nine tackles at Georgia Tech • Made seven stops, including two tackles for losses, in the season finale against Duke • Had two fumble recoveries against Florida State and forced a fumble at Clemson.

2002: Sophomore season
Played in all 12 games • Was the starting fullback in the first six games of the year, but moved to defensive end for the final six contests after injuries depleted the Carolina defensive line • Played both positions against Wake Forest • Had three rushes for 11 yards, caught two passes for 7 yards and made 21 total tackles (11 solo, 10 assists) • Had 2.5 tackles for loss • Had one carry for 11 yards against Georgia Tech • Made six tackles at Wake Forest, including four solo stops • Had four tackles vs. Maryland, including a tackle for loss • Posted three tackles against Florida State, including a 2-yard tackle for loss.

2001: Freshman season
Played in every game and started the final 10 regular-season games and the Peach Bowl at fullback • Played 455 snaps, including a season-high 51 snaps against East Carolina • Had one carry on the season, a 1-yard gain against the Pirates • Was involved in perhaps the most important play of the 41-9 win over FSU when he forced a fumble after the Seminoles had intercepted a pass on the second play of the third quarter • The fumble was recovered by UNC's Andre' Williams and Carolina scored five plays later to take the lead for good.

Ledford High School
Played fullback, tight end and linebacker for Coach Dick Cline at Thomasville's Ledford High • Rushed for 1,799 yards and 17 touchdowns in 10 games as a senior • Played tight end and was team captain in the Shrine Bowl • In his career he rushed for 3,673 yards and 44 touchdowns • Super Prep All-America as a Jumbo Athlete, Honorable Mention All-America USA Today and Prep Star All-Region selection • Three-time all-county and all-conference selection (tight end as a sophomore and fullback as junior and senior) • Named county offensive player of the year in 1998 and 1999 • Played basketball and ran track • Competed in the 200 and 400 meters, hurdles and relays and shot put • Earned all-county and all-conference honors in the shot • Honor student.

Personal
Born Madison Smith Hedgecock on Aug. 27, 1981 in Winston-Salem, N.C. • Favorite athlete is Brad Hoover • Favorite NFL teams as a kid were the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders • Enjoys hunting and listening to country music • Favorite former UNC football players are Charlie Justice and Don McCauley • Best athletic moment was recovering a fumble against Texas • Is a self-described "farm boy" • Majoring in communications.