UNC's Sexton to graduate in May, may play Division II football

North Carolina

UNC's Sexton to graduate in May, may play Division II football

Jan 14, 2009

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North Carolina quarterback Cameron Sexton informed the coaching staff earlier this week that he will graduate from North Carolina in May with a degree in communications.

Sexton, an academic senior who started six games in 2008, has one year of football eligibility remaining and will explore his options for continuing his playing career next season. If he leaves, Carolina's backup at quarterback would likely be Mike Paulus.

NCAA rules prevent a player with one year of eligibility remaining from transferring to another Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) or Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program, according to a UNC release. If Sexton transfers to a Division II school after graduating from Carolina, he would be eligible for the 2009 season.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” said Sexton in a statement. “I’m considering all my options, including the possibility of transferring to a Division II institution to play one more year. I have always been a competitor, and I have more goals I want to accomplish on the football field. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities I had at North Carolina.”

“Cam was an inspiration to our football team for his perseverance and determination,” said head coach Butch Davis. “He gave everything he had to this program, and Carolina fans will always remember the highlights he provided in 2008 as he helped this program to a bowl game. Cam has great character and has always represented the University in a first-class manner. I congratulate him on receiving his degree, and I will do all I can to help him in the future.”

Sexton, who is from Laurinburg, came off the bench to start for the Tar Heels after T.J. Yates fractured his ankle in the third game of the year versus Virginia Tech. Sexton helped guide Carolina to victories over Miami, Connecticut, Notre Dame, Boston College and Georgia Tech. In 2008, he was 94 of 198 for 1,261 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

For his career, Sexton has completed 152 of 305 passes for 2,110 yards and threw 13 touchdowns. He played in seven games in 2006 and started five as a redshirt freshman.