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: IC Reaction Podcast - UNC Football's First Spring Practice
Year two in the Bill Belichick era kicked off on Tuesday with the first spring football practice of 2026. Inside Carolina's Jason Staples and Tommy...
Tue Mar 24, 2026

Face of the Program Jordan Shipp Seizing Leadership Role for UNC Football
As the first player to speak with the media since last season ended, UNC wide receiver Jordan Shipp highlighted his growing role on the team...
Tue Mar 24, 2026

Bill Belichick says ‘we have our team now,’ not playing catch-up like last year
"Obviously, there’s a lot of changes from last year, but I’d say the big difference between this year and last year, for me is just...
Tue Mar 24, 2026

Jordan Shipp, Jaiden Patterson Speak Before UNC Football Spring Practice Tuesday
UNC wide receiver Jordan Shipp and defensive back Jaiden Patterson met with reporters on Tuesday morning before the Tar Heels took the field for their...
Tue Mar 24, 2026