CHAPEL HILL — For the last 15 games, North Carolina back-up quarterbacks Cameron Sexton and Mike Paulus have greeted T.J. Yates on the sideline after almost every series — offering suggestions, comments and help.
Starting Saturday, the roles will be reversed.
Yates, who will be out for at least six weeks with a fractured ankle, said he will still contribute to his team — even if it is only by watching tape in the film room, or offering suggestions during possessions.
“When I come off the field sometimes, I don’t see everything out there,’’ Yates said Monday, wearing a walking boot and on crutches. “So sometimes Cam or Mike will tell me what blitz came, or what coverage or what stance the corner was in. So I’m going to do that as much as possible, and let them know what I see out there, and try to help as much as possible.”
Coach Butch Davis said he has not decided which back-up quarterback will start against the Hurricanes, but Yates said he is confident in both.
“Cam’s been here for a while, he knows what he’s doing, he’s a smart player,’’ he said of Sexton, a redshirt junior who started five games in 2006. “He knows where to go with the ball, he’s played against Vriginia Tech, he’s played against Miami. He’s been there.
“Mike’s got a world of potential,’’ Yates said of the redshirt freshman who played the final 1 1/2 quarters against the Hokies. “He’s got a big arm, a big body and everything like that. He’s just got to get a little more experience. It’s one thing you can’t teach, really, just being in the game, experience. I think they both have amazing qualities they can bring to this team, and I’m completely comfortable with whoever plays.”
Yates, who set the school record for passing yards in a season last year, has not marked a date on his calendar for his return. But UNC’s bye week falls on Nov. 1, meaning he may only have to miss five games if he heals fast.
“I’m going to try everything in my power to get in the rehab room, get in the training room,’’ he said. “Just try to do everything they tell me to do and just drink as much milk as possible.”
And in the meantime, try to help — even from the sidelines.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
anyone hear all the unc fans
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 14:16 — Anonymous (not verified)anyone hear all the unc fans booing last weekend? god, show some class people
I was booing......at the officials
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 16:23 — UNCAlumnusAs they were doing an awful job. They are paid. As professionals they should be critiqued as to the job they are doing. In this case, that job was a-w-f-u-l. Although the team made some mistakes, they were honest, and not from a lack of effort. Rather, from a lack of concentration.
I found it interesting that Davis didn't commit
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 21:28 — UNCAlumnusHe said no decision was made on which qb would start in Miami. The assumption has been Paulus. I agree with that. To me it's like driving in the fast lane or the slow lane. Paulus is in the fast lane. You don't always see the scenery. You may crash. But it's fun, and you may get where you're going faster. (That's a bad analogy, if I could write it wouldn't be here) Not that Sexton is a bad choice. Maybe Davis and Shoop have had an effect on him. I just find it telling that when Yates got hurt Saturday, Paulus went in. Regardless, whoever it is, I wish them the absolute best of luck. I know this team will rally. Those kids don't give up.