New defensive coordinator makes mark

Posted Aug 29, 2008
North Carolina's new defensive coordinator Everett Withers didn't wait long to make an indelible impression with his players. In the Tar Heels' first practice, the 45-year-old Withers, some 23 years past his playing days at Appalachian State, challenged his team in a way former coaches never did. "The first time we did pursuit drills, he said he's going to beat us to the ball," Tar Heels linebacker Mark Paschal said. (Burlington Times News)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Young Drake Maye: How a future Super Bowl QB shredded an NC youth football league
They still remember it today. Everyone who saw Drake Maye on a football field on Saturday mornings in Huntersville, N.C., from age 6 to 12,...
Wed Feb 4, 2026

Seattle Seahawks Activate LB Chazz Surratt From Injured Reserve Ahead Of Super Bowl LX
The Seahawks activated former North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt from injured reserve on Tuesday, adding back to the roster a key special teams player ahead...
Wed Feb 4, 2026

Drake Maye says he's 'turned a corner' with shoulder issue; no concern for Super Bowl LX
Concerns about Drake Maye's shoulder can be moved down to DEFCON 5, after the New England Patriots quarterback and coaching staff all downplayed the injury...
Tue Feb 3, 2026

Even Drake Maye’s dad is surprised by Patriots’ Super Bowl run
"Like everybody, I’m surprised they made the Super Bowl," Mark Maye said. "I thought they’d be better than what people were expecting. I’m a little...
Mon Feb 2, 2026