The Story of Ricky Lanier: Trailblazer, Record-Holder, Tar Heel

Posted Oct 16, 2025
Ricky Lanier, the first black scholarship football player in Carolina Football history, died earlier this month at age 76. The following article about Lanier was originally published in the November 2014 issue of the Inside Carolina Magazine, highlighting Lanier’s time at North Carolina, and his performance that still stands atop the football record books today. (Inside Carolina)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

UNC’s defensive line makes statement in revenge win against TCU
After allowing 111 rushing yards in the first half, UNC's defensive front held the Horned Frogs to 26 rushing yards on 22 attempts in the...
Tue Sep 1, 2026

UNC snap counts from win over TCU reveal numerous iron men
The numbers behind North Carolina Football's 15-10 win over TCU tell a story of two units with a lot of endurance. ACC Linebacker of the...
Tue Sep 1, 2026

UNC vs. TCU: Winners, Losers, and Honorable Mentions
There’s still concern about how good this season is going to be for UNC Football. Still, the Tar Heels entered as a 9-point underdog and...
Tue Sep 1, 2026

Video: Tar Heel Tribune - UNC vs. TCU Postgame Breakdown
On this week's "Tar Heel Tribune Podcast," hosts Britt Whitmire, R.L. Bynum, and Doc Kennedy break down what transpired in Dublin during UNC Football's surprising...
Tue Sep 1, 2026