100 in 100: Gates County’s Thomas Smith, one of UNC’s original Rude Boys
Posted May 7, 2020
In 1989, Thomas Smith showed up at UNC as a walk-on after starring at tiny Gates County High School. The cornerback quickly earned a starting spot, and — as a leader in a secondary that became known as “The Rude Boys” — he played a major role in helping Mack Brown transform the Tar Heels from a 1-10 record to a nine-win bowl team three years later.
(North State Journal)
Related: Football, Football Recruiting
Video: Carolina Insider - 2026 UNC Football Schedule BreakdownJones Angell from the Tar Heel Sports Network and Adam Lucas of GoHeels.com discuss the 2026 North Carolina football schedule that was released by the...
Tue Jan 27, 2026UNC Football’s 2026 Schedule Announced
Heading into year two of the Bill Belichick era in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels will face an exciting slate, as the ACC announced UNC...
Mon Jan 26, 2026
Chansky’s Notebook: Cherry on Top
Drake Maye is the new king of New England and Tar Heelia. At 6-4 and the "runt" of the Maye family, Drake has taken his...
Mon Jan 26, 2026
THT Newsletter: The Jarin Stevenson Game, Tar Heels headed to Super Bowl
Jarin Stevenson had himself a game in UNC’s upset of Virginia, Drake Maye and three other Tar Heels are heading to the Super Bowl, Carolina...
Mon Jan 26, 2026