UNC's Furr to transfer

North Carolina

UNC's Furr to transfer

UNC running back Hunter Furr, image courtesy Keith Coward, SportsPageMagazine.com

Aug 3, 2011

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Raleigh, N.C. — When there is a coaching change within an athletics program, the program leaves itself vulnerable to the possibility that current and incoming players may transfer or rescind their commitment.

Last Wednesday, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's chancellor Holden Thorp announced the firing of head football coach Butch Davis just nine days prior to the start of football practice.

A week later, reports of the first transfer since the coaching change are surfacing. Interim head coach Everett Withers announced Wednesday that running back Hunter Furr has decided to transfer.

“Hunter came to me this week and asked for his release,” said interim head coach Everett Withers. “He is seeking an opportunity for more playing time and I respect his wishes. We’ve enjoyed having Hunter in the program and I wish him nothing but the best as he continues his college career.”

A junior from Lewisville, N.C., Furr played in 11 games last season and saw action in 13 games as a true freshman in 2009. In two seasons, he had eight carries for 35 yards. and was listed second at running back on UNC's 2011 spring depth chart.

“I would like to thank the entire Carolina coaching staff for their support and guidance over the last two years,” said Furr. “I've enjoyed being a part of this program and I’ve developed several great relationships with my teammates and coaches. I feel it’s in the best interest of my football career to transfer and compete for playingtime at another institution. I have nothing but respect for Coach Withers and I believe he will do an outstanding job building the program.”

HighSchoolOT.com learned last week that Jordan defensive back Phillip Williamson said he will remain committed to North Carolina despite the firing of Davis. Another local recruit, Millbrook's Keith Marshall, has decided to give his decision more time.

"I have to wait and see who they hire and what happens with the sanctions," Marshall said in a text message on July 27.

Web Editor: Erin Summers

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RE: UNC's Furr to transfer

Hey Smitty. Two more down. Brandon Willis transferring from UNC.......AGAIN!!!! Has anyone transferred from a university.......TWICE???? I guess the check bounced now that Black Santa and Butch are gone. And Jackson headed home for "personal" reasons. I'm figuring he "personally" didn't want to play for a football program facing impending sanctions. So, if you're keeping score, that's 3 transfers & 2 decommits in one week.

RE: UNC's Furr to transfer

And I just saw where they arrested a UNC student for the Honor Court Break-In, shew, I was afraid they would try to blame that on either State or Duke like they have everything else LOL Life at UNC is not easy right now....
- Posted by redistrumps

And I thought for sure it was the Badger who stole those files:)

RE: UNC's Furr to transfer

Had this been a first string player, I could understand the article and its implications. Players withdraw/transfer from schools on a regular basis. This does not seem to me to be a case of "getting out of Dodge" before the sanctions can be levied. Furr wants more playing time and it doesn't appear he would be getting that at UNC with its current roster and incoming talent. A bit of an over reaction by Erin on this story.

That said, Go WolfPack!
- Posted by jmwbrd

JM - thanks for the level headed and reasonable post, something not seen very often on these blogs these days.

RE: UNC's Furr to transfer

And the Furr flies. (Sorry, but the pun was just sitting for the taking.)
- Posted by Myword

Good one:)

RE: UNC's Furr to transfer

I saw the news of this transfer at SFN. They posted this link:

http://www.tarheelfanblog.com/2011/08/hunter-destroyer-of-worlds-furr-will-transfer

Someone posted a comment that Carolina fans need to take to heart. It's very prophetic, and I think accurate.

I liked this kid Furr even though he only played three downs (or so). He had a rugged running style ala John Riggins. His transfer is only the beginning. I'm sure there are many others talking about it who haven't yet gone public. Oh well, get ready for the 2-10 and 3-9 seasons Tarheel Nation.

The one that posted this is (allegedly) a Carolina fan.

Rest assured, more transfers and decommits are going to happen. And as Carolina's talent level declines over the next couple of years due to player graduation and attrition (and transfers), you can realistically expect THIS season to be your pinnacle for a few years. After this season, it's a downhill slide until the program makes the effort to resurrect itself. Who knows how long that will take?
- Posted by TruthBKnown Left The Building

I agree that this season will be our "best" for a while. I see de-commits hurting us first. I think most players on the roster will give Withers a chance and then decide. Let's face it: the idea of sitting out a year will keep some guys at Carolina. Of course, the NCAA sanctions will play a big part as well. Time to fasten our seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride for a while.

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