Friday, December 10, 2010

Tar Heels' All-ACC DT undecided about future

CHAPEL HILL -- Quinton Coples made All-ACC as a junior, his first at defensive tackle, and led UNC with 8.5 sacks.

He said Friday he hasn't made a decision about next season, whether to return to UNC or enter the NFL draft early. He said he is focused on the Music City Bowl and Tennessee.

"It's a decision that I have to think about after the bowl game," Coples said.

At 6-6 and 275 pounds, Coples has the size to play in the NFL and the added value of versatility. He has played both end and tackle in college, switching in August to tackle to replace the suspended Marvin Austin.

Coples finished the 2010 season with more tackles (53) than Austin (42) or end Robert Quinn (52) had last season.

UNC coach Butch Davis said he doesn't expect to lose any juniors to the NFL draft. He said Friday he would submit Coples, or any junior's name for evaluation, but doesn't recommend players to leave early unless they are going to be a first-round pick.

"Unless you can go in the first round, you probably can't make enough money to be able to not have to work significantly for the rest of your life," Davis said.

-- J.P. Giglio

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

He needs to weigh his money options with staying in Chapel Hill vs the NFL. I think he might be able to get more money with all the negative attention and eyes on the program. Maybe he can get his Dad to intervene for a better package to stay.

Anonymous said...

Go Man, yo degree @ Carolina won't mean that much when it all comes out about the tutor BS program. Run for the bigger money, in the NFL!