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
Drake Maye Selected to 2026 NFL Pro BowlThe New England Patriots will be represented by quarterback Drake Maye at the 2026 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Tuesday. With his selection, Maye becomes...
Wed Dec 24, 2025Drake Maye made a leap in Baltimore and took the Patriots with him
It had to be this way. Down 11. Teammates strewn across the field, almost a dozen lost to injury. A bad pick and lost fumble...
Tue Dec 23, 2025
Video: IC Podcast - Bobby Petrino, Talent, and UNC's Quarterbacks
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss what's next for UNC Football after Monday's announcement that longtime college coach Bobby Petrino will be...
Tue Dec 23, 2025
THT Newsletter: Seth Trimble Returns, UNC Football's New OC, CJ Rosser Visits, 4-Star Safety Commits
There’s a lot to cover in this week's newsletter before we log off for the holidays, so let’s dive in. Seth Trimble is back, UNC...
Tue Dec 23, 2025