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

Which Young Football Tar Heels Are Standing Out?
UNC defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude was asked which true freshmen have stood out to him on defense. Almost right away, "David Jackson" emanated from his...
Wed Apr 15, 2026

UNC Football Players, Staff More Comfortable This Time Around
Bill Belichick said the UNC Football program is way ahead of this time a year ago. That goes for the players, too. "Having that camaraderie...
Tue Apr 14, 2026

Carolina Insider Podcast: Basketball Updates, Spring Football, Youssef Shamel, Jason Kosmicki
Transfer portal season means uncertainty for UNC Basketball (4:25). Spring football is underway as the Tar Heels look for big improvement (15:19). Denver Nuggets play-by-play...
Tue Apr 14, 2026

Patriots QB Drake Maye motivated by 'humbling' Super Bowl defeat
"I think that's the biggest thing about it: It's humbling. You've got to get back to work. When you're so close and within reach, you...
Mon Apr 13, 2026