How top NFL draft picks graded out as preps

Posted Apr 22, 2009
Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC: 2006 Rivals ranking: Four star (No. 31 receiver) Nicks caught passes at Independence High, from Joe Cox, Matthew Stafford's likely successor at Georgia. Few schools knew about him because, as a junior, he played in the shadow of future Bulldog Mohamed Massaquoi. After Nicks racked up 1,524 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, several schools probably wished they had noticed Nicks as early as the Tar Heels did. (Sports Illustrated)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

Two UNC Football Players Honored At Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference
UNC Football's Timir Hickman-Collins and Christo Kelly recently attended the 2026 Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference in Philadelphia. The UNC Football Chapter was recognized at...
Thu Feb 19, 2026

Ronald Curry hired as Denver Broncos WR coach
The Denver Broncos are hiring former UNC quarterback and basketball standout Ronald Curry as their wide receivers coach. Curry was quarterbacks coach for the Buffalo...
Thu Feb 19, 2026

Bill Belichick's quarterback shakeup at UNC: FCS record breaker joins Tar Heels
In an effort to revamp UNC's offense, Bill Belichick has landed his third offseason quarterback transfer in Western Carolina's Taron Dickens. An FCS record-breaker for...
Mon Feb 16, 2026

THT Newsletter: Caleb Wilson Injured, Baseball Sweeps, Malloy Smith Offered, Dylan Mingo To Commit
It was quite the eventful week in UNC Athletics. Caleb Wilson suffered a broken hand, the Diamond Heels swept their season opener, Kenny Smith’s son...
Mon Feb 16, 2026