Juco Running Back Changes Mind, Turns Down UNC

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Juco Running Back Changes Mind, Turns Down UNC

By Sammy Batten

Oct 25, 2007

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North Carolina thought it had solved two of its recruiting needs by dipping into the junior college ranks, but by late Wednesday evening the Tar Heels were back in the market at one of those positions.

Coffeyville College running back Nathan Guillory, who committed to UNC on Tuesday, experienced a change of heart less than 24 hours later.

“There were too many numbers at my position,’’ Guillory said Wednesday evening, referring to the Tar Heels stable of young tailbacks that includes redshirt freshmen Anthony Elzy and Johnny White, along with true freshman Ryan Houston.

Guillory, from Houston, Texas, and cornerback Melvin Williams both announced their pledges to UNC late Tuesday evening. Coffeyville coach Jeff Leiker confirmed those commitments on Wednesday morning to The Fayetteville Observer.

But by the evening the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Guillory, who has rushed for 1,008 yards in eight games this season at Coffeyville had changed in mind in part because he wouldn’t be able to enroll at UNC for the spring semester. “They wanted me to come in next fall,’’ Guillory said.

Guillory will now consider his other scholarship offers from Kansas State, Memphis and Oklahoma State.

The Tar Heels still have their sixth commitment of the recruiting season from the 6-foot, 200-pound Williams, who hails from Lebanon, Tenn. He’s from the same area as former UNC basketball star Brandon Wright and used to compete against Wright in basketball.

Williams was being recruited by Arkansas, Clemson and Mississippi, although none of those schools had offered scholarships. He's been in on 47 tackles this season through eight games and has two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown.

Coffeyville has used Williams at safety, but he expects to play cornerback at UNC.

"They said they like me as a boundary corner,’’ Williams said. "They want a corner that’s more physical and can support the run and cover. They like the way I play safety, too. I can come in and make an immediate impact at the corner position.’’

Injuries and suspensions have depleted the Tar Heels at cornerback this season. Senior Kendric Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury against Virginia Tech, and his replacement, sophomore Jermaine Strong, was suspended in definitely earlier this week for violation team and university policies.

Veteran reporter Sammy Batten covers college football recruiting for The Fayetteville Observer. His reports will also run on WRAL.com this season. He can be reached at battens@fayobserver.com or (910) 486-3534.

Most Recent Comments

I'm going to assume the picture is of the writer. No comment beyond that. I haven't had much luck with my posts sticking around recently.

After looking at the picture, I'd say he's a bit old to be playing college football anyway.

You're probably right, Warren. But you must admit, the Arkansas job is probably very appealing to Butch. And he has not been at Carolina long enough to grow roots yet. It would probably be easier for him to leave now than after a few years of program-building.

Did TOB ever say he wasn't coming to State? The first thing I remember him saying is "NC State or BUST!"

Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with denying the rumors until it's a done deal, and maybe even until the season is over. Let the players and fans enjoy the rest of the season. Plus, it really hurts recruiting. Nothing wrong with waiting until the right time to make the announcement.

Anyway, these are rumors people. Butch is not leaving North Carolina.

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