CHAPEL HILL — If North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates can’t compete at Miami on Saturday because of his left ankle injury, backup quarterback Mike Paulus indicated over the weekend that he will be ready.
“Me and T.J., we watch as much film as anyone in this building every week,’’ Paulus said after the Tar Heels lost to Virginia Tech on Saturday. “We watch it together, we watch it separately. We’re always preparing together.”
Paulus redshirted last season and competed with junior quarterback Cam Sexton during spring practice as Yates was sidelined after shoulder surgery. Yates retained his starting job, but Paulus said he remained prepared to play.
"I tell myself every day at practice there are so many quarterbacks going down, NFL or college or whatever it is, the No. 2 has to be ready no matter what your position is,’’ he said.
He added: "Every day, whether it's coming through on a follow through and jamming your thumb or spraining your ankle or hitting your knee slamming it into a car door, something was going to happen where I was going to get in this year."
When he got his chance, however, it was a rough start. After playing only a few snaps at Rutgers, Paulus entered Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech in the third quarter, after Yates was hurt on an 18-yard sack. On his first snap, tailback Greg Little raced 50 yards on a touchdown run to give the Tar Heels a 17-3 lead. But Paulus went on to complete only 3 of 8 passes for 23 yards. He also threw two interceptions, was almost hit for a safety, and the Tar Heels lost 20-17.
Still, he said Saturday he is comfortable behind center, and all the quarterbacks are rotated so that they work with the starters in practice.
“Throwing to those wide receivers makes your job a lot easier,’’ he said.
An update on Yates’ status is expected today. Sunday, coach Butch Davis would say only, “He’s receiving treatment and undergoing further evaluation.” The preliminary diagnoses was a sprained left ankle.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
I think whoever starts, the coaches (Shoop) better draw it up
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 07:48 — UNCAlumnusNot only that but the Offensive line better hold blocks (not cheat), the runners (backs, Tate) better hit their holes with the fury of a Mack truck. The defense better swarm, and wrap tackle. The kicker better hit his kicks. The whole team better stop making mistakes. If UNC wins or loses vs. UM, it won't just be on the qb. That said, good qb play will make it a whole lot easier, and give the Heels a chance.
Ive always been honest on
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 21:29 — gvillegatrIve always been honest on all accounts and UNC, IMO, is going to get drilled on saturday UNLESS Paulus can breath in and out this week and remember how to play QB. Tarheels fans, i'm not giving up one bit ... it is just what I think unless Paulus turns it around. these two teams (VT and UM) are not too different on defense and I guarantee you UM is faster.
Paulus
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 12:19 — Ron (not verified)I am a bid Heels fan, and to be honest I blame the coaches for his injury. It seemed like they were doing nothing on 3rd downs to pic up the blitz. Every 3rd down VT was coming with the outside blitz and we were not ready for it. I think paulus has the talent but as he showed in the game is he ready for the presure. Miami is a good team and playing at Miami with the chance of of loosing 2 staight is a lot of presure. Good luck to you Paulus and TJ hope you are back soon.
english
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 11:08 — Anonymous (not verified)Let's hope his ability to overcome a shaky game is significantly better than his ability to speak grammatically correct English. Film study doesn't help if your instinct is to throw into triple coverage within field goal range instead of step out of bounds. I've heard from more than one fan...I mean conspiracy theorist... that Greg is in Durham pulling strings and laughing maniacally as his little bro' destroys the Heels from the inside. Should be interesting.....
Word is Yates out for 6 weeks with reevaluation at that time.
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 09:44 — UNCAlumnusNow we know where the Heels stand. It's Paulus' team now. Let's just get behind him and give him the support he needs. Go Heels!!
Ready
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 09:38 — Anonymous (not verified)He wasn't ready last Saturday!
for unc-ch's sake...
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 09:07 — izzykareem...you guys do not want to have the case we (NCState) had when Philip Rivers left and no one knew how to drive the car for 5 years. I'll give Yates his due, he's pretty good, but when you hit a snag you have to have someone capable of coming in...we'll see what Paulus can do this weekend.
When does basketball season start?
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 08:28 — Bill Jennings (not verified)This will be very ugly for UNC in Miami on Saturday.
850 blog says Yates may miss season
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 07:33 — UNCAlumnusIf that's the case, Paulus is the man. The coaches need to make that clear. I'm sure some will be howling for Sexton, but the coaches (Davis included) see them everyday. They can make the more informed choice. Paulus can and will be prepared and successful. Trust the coaches to make the right calls. The players just have to execute. Paulus just has to relax and play. Go Heels!
Paulus
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 09:07 — melvinfurdThe fact Paulus got into two games and Sexton didn't seems to tip off who is behind Yates, and it clearly seems to be Paulus.
If the recruiting gurus are correct there is a tremendous upside to Paulus; who knows, he might end up being a natural.
Best wishes for a speedy Yates' recovery and best wishes to Mike if he's called on to be the QB.