CHAPEL HILL — Quarterback T.J. Yates’ lone completion in the fourth quarter against Georgia Tech on Saturday was notable for two reasons: he had been sidelined since Sept. 20 with a fractured left ankle, and the 28-yard toss to Hakeem Nicks made Nicks UNC’s career leader in receiving yardage, passing Corey Holliday.
Nicks said he didn’t realize until he made it to the sideline that it had been Yates, and not starter Cameron Sexton, who was on the other side of the record-setting toss.
“We did our handshake, and we hugged, and I said, ‘thanks,’’ said Nicks, who now has 2,472 receiving yards.
Yates, who only starting practicing full-go this week, was listed as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart.
Coach Butch Davis said after No. 19 UNC's 28-7 victory that he didn’t know before the game whether the Tar Heels would get a big enough lead to insert Yates at the end, but he was glad they did.
Yates completed one of his three pass attempts in the final 3:42. “It was good for him, and it was good for our football team,’’ Davis said.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
Watching th egame on
Sun, 11/09/2008 - 14:37 — gvillegatrWatching th egame on saturday and seeing Sexton play inconsistently, it appears Yates should be back at the helm assuming the staff thinks he can play 60 mins. He looked a lot sharper in the mins he played. Sexton looked lost outside of the first drive.
backup QB
Sat, 11/08/2008 - 19:40 — the Ram Man (not verified)Now that Yates got a few snaps, it will only help our end of season goals to have a healthy, "ready to go" Yates to backup Sexton. Go Heels!
It looked like Yates...
Sat, 11/08/2008 - 19:04 — UNCAlumnusisn't really missing a beat. For the few plays he was in there he looked fine. Congratulations on a wonderful feat, Hakeem Nicks.