http://www.tarheeltimes.com/UNC Basketball, Football and Recruiting Newsen-US5/24/2013 2:33:37 PMhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48312.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48312.aspxNorth Carolina defensive end Kareem Martin returns as one of the leaders of the Tar Heels' defense for 2013. Martin had an outstanding spring game, with four sacks and six tackles for loss, and is also getting some pub as one of the top defensive end prospects Insider in the country. I had a chance to catch up with him recently. Here is a little of what he had to say:North Carolina defensive end Kareem Martin returns as one of the leaders of the Tar Heels' defense for 2013. Martin had an outstanding spring game, with four sacks and six tackles for loss, and is also getting some pub as one of the top defensive end prospects Insider in the country. I had a chance to catch up with him recently. Here is a little of what he had to say:Fri, 24 May 2013 14:32:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48310.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48310.aspxTwo days after speaking at a similar event over 300 miles away, North Carolina assistant coaches were the featured speakers at the Nansemond Suffolk Academy Football Clinic on Thursday night. Approximately 55 high school coaches from the Tidewater Area of Virginia attended the clinic, which was held at the Norfolk-Chesapeake Marriott Hotel.Two days after speaking at a similar event over 300 miles away, North Carolina assistant coaches were the featured speakers at the Nansemond Suffolk Academy Football Clinic on Thursday night. Approximately 55 high school coaches from the Tidewater Area of Virginia attended the clinic, which was held at the Norfolk-Chesapeake Marriott Hotel.Fri, 24 May 2013 13:28:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48291.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48291.aspxThe Atlantic Coast Conference announced Thursday that North Carolina's football home opener vs. Middle Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 7, will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and will be televised by the ACC Network. The league announced the start times and television partners for the first three weeks of the season for all members.The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Thursday that North Carolina's football home opener vs. Middle Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 7, will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and will be televised by the ACC Network. The league announced the start times and television partners for the first three weeks of the season for all members.Thu, 23 May 2013 15:45:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48283.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48283.aspxThe ACC is considering the creation of permanent rivalry games for all of its football teams on the last weekend of the regular season starting in 2014, according to several sources. The league could announce an expanded “rivals week” lineup soon, according to one membership source, while North Carolina-NC State is considered a possible matchup.The ACC is considering the creation of permanent rivalry games for all of its football teams on the last weekend of the regular season starting in 2014, according to several sources. The league could announce an expanded “rivals week” lineup soon, according to one membership source, while North Carolina-NC State is considered a possible matchup.Thu, 23 May 2013 10:47:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48272.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48272.aspxHakeem Nicks is still just 25, but he's entering his fifth year with the New York Giants. And this season, that will make in the team's longest-tenured wideout. Veteran Domenik Hixon is gone, and star Victor Cruz is currently not around as he and the Giants continue to hammer out a long-term extension. So Nicks is embracing the role of leader.Hakeem Nicks is still just 25, but he's entering his fifth year with the New York Giants. And this season, that will make in the team's longest-tenured wideout. Veteran Domenik Hixon is gone, and star Victor Cruz is currently not around as he and the Giants continue to hammer out a long-term extension. So Nicks is embracing the role of leader.Wed, 22 May 2013 14:40:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48263.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48263.aspxNorth Carolina assistant coaches were the featured speakers at a coaching clinic sponsored by Jay M. Robinson High School and Hudl on Tuesday night. “It’s one more opportunity for us to build relationships [and] one more opportunity for us to open our doors to make sure these guys completely understand that there isn’t anything that we won’t do for them,” UNC assistant coach Walt Bell said.North Carolina assistant coaches were the featured speakers at a coaching clinic sponsored by Jay M. Robinson High School and Hudl on Tuesday night. “It’s one more opportunity for us to build relationships [and] one more opportunity for us to open our doors to make sure these guys completely understand that there isn’t anything that we won’t do for them,” UNC assistant coach Walt Bell said.Wed, 22 May 2013 12:05:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48255.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48255.aspxThis year North Carolina has 13 returning starters, is in the second year under Larry Fedora and was -3 in net upsets last year. With quarterback Bryn Renner and an improved defense, UNC also draws a manageable schedule. My main two sets of power ratings call for a 9 and 10 win season, which means UNC has a shot at topping last year's 8 win total. (PDF file)This year North Carolina has 13 returning starters, is in the second year under Larry Fedora and was -3 in net upsets last year. With quarterback Bryn Renner and an improved defense, UNC also draws a manageable schedule. My main two sets of power ratings call for a 9 and 10 win season, which means UNC has a shot at topping last year's 8 win total. (PDF file)Wed, 22 May 2013 08:14:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48247.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48247.aspxFive ACC players, including North Carolina's Russell Bodine, were named Tuesday to the spring watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is given annually to the nation's top center. Bodine helped lead a UNC offense which set school records in total points (487) and points per game (40.8) in 2012, as the Tar Heels finished eighth nationally in scoring offense.Five ACC players, including North Carolina's Russell Bodine, were named Tuesday to the spring watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is given annually to the nation's top center. Bodine helped lead a UNC offense which set school records in total points (487) and points per game (40.8) in 2012, as the Tar Heels finished eighth nationally in scoring offense.Tue, 21 May 2013 16:27:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48246.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48246.aspxMore than zeroing in on Carolina this summer, (new NC State football coach Dave) Doeren is smart to be more concerned about taking advantage of four September games at Carter-Finley Stadium and improving a defensive unit that gave up an average 400 yards per game in ’12. Meanwhile, Larry Fedora is talking less about State this offseason. He’s got an offensive line to rebuild and running back committee to appoint.More than zeroing in on Carolina this summer, (new NC State football coach Dave) Doeren is smart to be more concerned about taking advantage of four September games at Carter-Finley Stadium and improving a defensive unit that gave up an average 400 yards per game in ’12. Meanwhile, Larry Fedora is talking less about State this offseason. He’s got an offensive line to rebuild and running back committee to appoint.Tue, 21 May 2013 13:59:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48218.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48218.aspx1. Giovani Bernard, RB, Bengals: Bernard's capable of getting out in space and generating big plays, he can be a feature runner when they need him to be, he's a dynamic pass-catching back (92 catches in 2011 and 2012 at North Carolina) and he's a force on special teams as well (ask former NC State coach Tom O'Brien about his punt-returning skills). Color me all in on Gio blowing up for the Bengals.1. Giovani Bernard, RB, Bengals: Bernard's capable of getting out in space and generating big plays, he can be a feature runner when they need him to be, he's a dynamic pass-catching back (92 catches in 2011 and 2012 at North Carolina) and he's a force on special teams as well (ask former NC State coach Tom O'Brien about his punt-returning skills). Color me all in on Gio blowing up for the Bengals.Sun, 19 May 2013 11:08:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48207.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48207.aspxBruce Carter has heard one name over and over again since the Cowboys hired Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator. “Everybody’s just been hitting me with it – Derrick Brooks, Derrick Brooks,” Carter said. "That's a good thing." Carter might be the NFL’s fastest linebacker. He was clocked at 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash at a North Carolina pro day.Bruce Carter has heard one name over and over again since the Cowboys hired Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator. “Everybody’s just been hitting me with it – Derrick Brooks, Derrick Brooks,” Carter said. "That's a good thing." Carter might be the NFL’s fastest linebacker. He was clocked at 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash at a North Carolina pro day.Sat, 18 May 2013 16:19:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48189.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48189.aspxUNC quarterback Marquise Williams is back in school after not being enrolled during the spring semester, team spokesman Kevin Best said on Friday. Due to academic reasons Williams, who served as a backup quarterback to Bryn Renner last season, wasn’t allowed to enroll in classes during the spring semester. But he is enrolled in UNC’s first summer school session, which began earlier this week.UNC quarterback Marquise Williams is back in school after not being enrolled during the spring semester, team spokesman Kevin Best said on Friday. Due to academic reasons Williams, who served as a backup quarterback to Bryn Renner last season, wasn’t allowed to enroll in classes during the spring semester. But he is enrolled in UNC’s first summer school session, which began earlier this week.Fri, 17 May 2013 15:07:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48159.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48159.aspxNo, North Carolina coach Larry Fedora was not wearing his Coastal Division championship ring during the ACC spring meetings. Yes, he did expect the backlash that followed after it was revealed his players got those rings despite being ineligible for the postseason. "I knew there would be but that’s not why it was done," Fedora said.No, North Carolina coach Larry Fedora was not wearing his Coastal Division championship ring during the ACC spring meetings. Yes, he did expect the backlash that followed after it was revealed his players got those rings despite being ineligible for the postseason. "I knew there would be but that’s not why it was done," Fedora said.Thu, 16 May 2013 09:04:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48119.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48119.aspxCasey Barth chose a free agent offer from the Atlanta Falcons over those of two other teams last month because he felt it gave him the best chance to compete for an NFL job. It didn’t turn out that way. The former North Carolina kicker was waived last Friday after a week at the Falcons’ rookie mini-camp. “I’m not sure,” Barth said when asked what went wrong. “I thought I did pretty well.”Casey Barth chose a free agent offer from the Atlanta Falcons over those of two other teams last month because he felt it gave him the best chance to compete for an NFL job. It didn’t turn out that way. The former North Carolina kicker was waived last Friday after a week at the Falcons’ rookie mini-camp. “I’m not sure,” Barth said when asked what went wrong. “I thought I did pretty well.”Mon, 13 May 2013 22:30:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48112.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48112.aspxFormer North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard impressed coaches at Bengals rookie camp this weekend. Head Coach Marvin Lewis is comparing him to established running backs like Ray Rice and Maurice Jones Drew, which is high praise for a player after his first weekend of work as a pro. Bernard says he's enjoying the NFL so far, and it's no surprise when he says it's a step up from the college game.Former North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard impressed coaches at Bengals rookie camp this weekend. Head Coach Marvin Lewis is comparing him to established running backs like Ray Rice and Maurice Jones Drew, which is high praise for a player after his first weekend of work as a pro. Bernard says he's enjoying the NFL so far, and it's no surprise when he says it's a step up from the college game.Mon, 13 May 2013 15:10:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48093.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48093.aspxDuring the 2013 college football season, expect to see a slew of college programs add an up-tempo element to their offense. Coaches that have utilized fast-tempo at times last season will rely upon it even more this season.During the 2013 college football season, expect to see a slew of college programs add an up-tempo element to their offense. Coaches that have utilized fast-tempo at times last season will rely upon it even more this season.Sun, 12 May 2013 09:25:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48087.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48087.aspxIn the midst of praising some of his first year players after the opening day of rookie minicamp, Rex Ryan took a quick aside to criticize one of his sophomores, Quinton Coples. “He’s got to compete like anybody else for a job,” said Ryan. “So I’m a little disappointed in Q in the weight room in the last day.” One knock on Coples coming out of college was a questionable work ethic.In the midst of praising some of his first year players after the opening day of rookie minicamp, Rex Ryan took a quick aside to criticize one of his sophomores, Quinton Coples. “He’s got to compete like anybody else for a job,” said Ryan. “So I’m a little disappointed in Q in the weight room in the last day.” One knock on Coples coming out of college was a questionable work ethic.Sat, 11 May 2013 18:29:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48076.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48076.aspxIn light of the announced 2015 scheduling of North Carolina vs. South Carolina, a unique historical opportunity has been created to potentially re-ignite the flames of this gridiron rivalry. Many will argue it was much more intense on the basketball court back in the day, especially when Frank McGuire was in Columbia, but that doesn't mean the Tar Heels and Gamecocks don't have some history on the football field.In light of the announced 2015 scheduling of North Carolina vs. South Carolina, a unique historical opportunity has been created to potentially re-ignite the flames of this gridiron rivalry. Many will argue it was much more intense on the basketball court back in the day, especially when Frank McGuire was in Columbia, but that doesn't mean the Tar Heels and Gamecocks don't have some history on the football field.Fri, 10 May 2013 19:15:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48075.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48075.aspxConfirming one of the worst-kept secrets in recent memory, North Carolina and South Carolina announced they will open up the 2015 college football season against each other in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. Smart move, Carolina(s). It's the kind of match-up that has been overdue, the kind of forward-thinking move necessary in today's college football landscape.Confirming one of the worst-kept secrets in recent memory, North Carolina and South Carolina announced they will open up the 2015 college football season against each other in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. Smart move, Carolina(s). It's the kind of match-up that has been overdue, the kind of forward-thinking move necessary in today's college football landscape.Fri, 10 May 2013 14:39:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48067.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article48067.aspxWilliams was one of the anchors of a Tar Heel line that finally lived up to expectations. Williams held down the right side of a line that blocked for a 3,000-yard passer in Bryn Renner and a 1,000-yard runner in Giovani Bernard. It was easy for Williams to be overshadowed being on the same line as NFL top-10 pick Jonathan Cooper, but Williams and left tackle James Hurst were rock-solid on the outside.Williams was one of the anchors of a Tar Heel line that finally lived up to expectations. Williams held down the right side of a line that blocked for a 3,000-yard passer in Bryn Renner and a 1,000-yard runner in Giovani Bernard. It was easy for Williams to be overshadowed being on the same line as NFL top-10 pick Jonathan Cooper, but Williams and left tackle James Hurst were rock-solid on the outside.Fri, 10 May 2013 08:35:00 -0400