Sam Smiley fighting for starting job

Posted Aug 16, 2012
UNC redshirt freshman Sam Smiley is in the midst of a heated position battle with fellow redshirt freshman Darien Rankin this summer for UNC's open starting job at the free safety position. And while Rankin appeared to hold the upper hand through the first week of camp, Smiley came out of the first scrimmage this past Saturday as the No. 1, and has been running with the starters all of this week. (Tar Heel Illustrated)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Possible UNC Football Offensive Coordinator Candidates
After having one of the worst offenses in college football, UNC has made a change at offensive coordinator. Now, a coaching search begins. The Tar...
Fri Dec 12, 2025

Chansky’s Notebook: Year One Done
Happy anniversary to Bill Belichick for better or worse. The great experiment is officially one year old after Belichick was named UNC’s new football coach...
Fri Dec 12, 2025

Video: IC Podcast - Freddie Kitchens Out as UNC OC, Priefer Out on STs, What's Next?
Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina discuss the news that Freddie Kitchens is out as offensive coordinator at UNC. The move opens up...
Fri Dec 12, 2025

Freddie Kitchens Out as UNC Offensive Coordinator
Freddie Kitchens is out after one season at UNC's offensive coordinator. The Tar Heels' offense ranked among the worst in the nation in 2025, finishing...
Fri Dec 12, 2025