UNC Football Position Preview: Quarterbacks Key to Success in 2008

After a 4-8 campaign in 2007, the Tar Heels look to turn the corner toward the success they've been searching for so many years now.  Offensive production will rest heavily on the quarterback this season, and with solid play from this position, the Heels could be poised to gain momentum for this season and beyond.

T.J. Yates

2007 Statistics

218-365, 59.7 percent Completion Percentage 

2,655 Passing Yards

14 Touchdowns

18 Interceptions

Lost among the 4-8 record last season was the fact that redshirt freshman T.J. Yates threw for a school record 2,655 yards and set school freshman records for completions and attempts.

Yates also threw for 14 touchdowns but gave away 18 interceptions.  With offseason shoulder surgery and a full year of experience, Heels fans hope the turnover rate goes down as the wins pile up.

Yates is recovering well from his surgery and is throwing daily.  He should make it back in time to be the starting quarterback for the full 2008 season.

Mike Paulus

2007 Statistics

DNP, Redshirt

Highly touted passer Mike Paulus sat out as a redshirt during the 2007 season, but he may see action this season if Yates' recovery does not go as planned.

Paulus was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, despite only playing two full years.  He has a great arm and is a solid pocket passer.

His development could put pressure on Yates to perform, and a good quarterback controversy is never a bad thing in college athletics.

Cameron Sexton

2007 Statistics

1-1, 100 percent Completion Percentage 

9 Passing Yards

0 Touchdowns

0 Interceptions

Sexton saw limited time with the emergence of Yates as the starter in 2007.  Sexton has continued to work on his growth as a quarterback after lackluster performances during the 2005 and 2006 campaigns.

Sexton has been working with a personal quarterback coach over the summer to improve his game and hopefully can make a positive contribution during the 2008 season.

Besides, he's a hometown guy and a friend, so hopefully he can enjoy some success while at the program.

That does it for this year's rundown of the Tar Heel's quarterbacks.  Due up next, a breakdown of this season's runningbacks.