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100 in 100: Gates County’s Thomas Smith, one of UNC’s original Rude Boys


In 1989, 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 transform the Tar Heels from a 1-10 record to a nine-win bowl team three years later. (North State Journal)

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