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 - UNC Football Signing Day Discussion
The North Carolina Football program brought in 39 new recruits on Thursday's early Signing Day as it reloads the UNC roster after the 2025 season...
Fri Dec 5, 2025

Carolina Insider Podcast: Jimmy Black Interview, UNC Basketball Beats Kentucky, Football Signing Day
UNC Basketball picked up a big road win in Rupp Arena defeating Kentucky 67-64 (4:50) and now hosts Georgetown (23:46). Tar Heel Football brought in...
Fri Dec 5, 2025

Amid career year, Cowboys' Javonte Williams nearing $500K in bonuses
If Javonte Williams didn't gain another inch this season, he still would have been worth every penny of the $3 million the Cowboys spent on...
Thu Dec 4, 2025

Video: Running Back Demon June 2025 UNC Football Highlights
Highlights from North Carolina true freshman running back Demon June from the Tar Heels' 2025 football season...
Thu Dec 4, 2025