T.J. Yates optimistic about his NFL future

North Carolina

T.J. Yates optimistic about his NFL future

T.J. Yates during the North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Virginia Tech Hokies game at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Saturday, November 13, 2010.

By Tim Hall

Apr 19, 2011

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It was a pretty well known fact that North Carolina's 2010 team was going to be loaded with NFL talent.

But there was a time when not many would have agreed that quarterback T.J. Yates belonged on that list with some of his other teammates.

That was then.

That was before he efficiently and effectively led his team to eight wins and a bowl victory in his senior season after the team was ripped apart by NCAA investigations. That was before he impressed NFL scouts at his Pro Day workout in Chapel Hill. That was before word starting getting around about his ability, intelligence and intangibles.

This is now.

"It's a good chance and I'm pretty optimistic about the whole thing," Yates told Adam and Joe on The Fan Monday. "There's a lot of guys in my position (UNC teammates), we're trying to stay in shape, stay sharp because we've had a lot of workouts and visits. It's a different experience."

Certain publications like ESPN now have him ranked as the No. 10 quarterback prospect in the 2011 draft class. Some are projecting Yates has vaulted from a late round pick at best to a possible mid-round pick. And veteran quarterbacks coach Larry Kennan raves about him.

Yates has been doing his best to avoid what's being said about him in the press, even the good stuff. But in a way he's already prepared for criticism at the next level because he already saw plenty of it in college.

"Absolutely. Especially during my junior year if you start believing everything people say about you, that's not a good thing for your performance. You gotta keep your head out of that and turn all the nay sayers around."

But all the criticism and low expectations for the offense going into Yates' senior year allowed that unit to step up and surprise some people.

"Going into the season I was in a good position, to a certain extent I couldn't make anyone more pissed off at me," Yates chuckled. "But it was kind of a blessing in disguise, obviously it was a terrible thing what happened to the program. As far as myself and a lot of the guys on offense and our offense moving forward it opened up the door for us to be able to grow."

Time will tell if the NFL will be the next place for T.J. Yates to grow his game. He's drawing inspiration from the ESPN special, "The Brady 6", which highlighted the six quarterbacks selected ahead of the Patriots star in the 2000 NFL draft.

T.J. Yates, Tom Brady......you never know.

"I'm not saying that," Yates said. "But I might be in the same situation as him how about that?"

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RE: T.J. Yates optimistic about his NFL future

While I appreciate his optimism, he doesn't have the tools to play at the next level.
- Posted by BigfootBeliever

RE: T.J. Yates optimistic about his NFL future

"after the team was ripped apart by NCAA investigations"

buzzzzz, wrong. Ripped apart by a corrupt coaching staff (a fact), and by greedy, self-absorbed thuugs (a fact). Please report the facts Tim, you UNC blowhard. Yates deserves a chance, because he earned it. If he can help that messed up program at UNC get 8 wins with those fickle fans, he might just get a few snaps in preseason games. Congratulations to him for escaping, er, graduating UNC without getting caught up in the BD fiasco...

RE: T.J. Yates optimistic about his NFL future

I find it hilarious that a duke fan is on this board talking any smack about football. What a !!
- Posted by daffneyhardiman

What is hilarious is you picked that to be your first ever post on here. Welcome to the boards! I love forward to dismantling you in a future debate.
- Posted by jrj6950

I find it hilarious too....must be a slow day at "work" for you df's.
- Posted by 1993 Tarheel

Right back at ya.
- Posted by jrj6950

Nice debate. Typical df....be careful on that ride home from the restaurant....

RE: T.J. Yates optimistic about his NFL future

I don't think so but good luck to him.

RE: T.J. Yates optimistic about his NFL future

He'll be the most celebrated back-up QB in UNC history.

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