Austin, Little taking 'great mental approach'

t Thursday's scheduled media day, which featured an unscheduled statement from athletic director Dick Baddour on the status NCAA investigation, UNC coach Davis offered his most extensive comments on Marvin Austin and Greg Little since the NCAA interviewed the senior stars about improper contact with an agent on July 12 and July 13.

"They've taken a great approach, from a mental standpoint," Davis said. "There are things that are clearly out of their control. The only thing that they can do is to be prepared, to practice as if none of this was going on."

Baddour said there was no time table for the NCAA's decision. He said the school understands the concerns of its public "constituents" but UNC has offered the NCAA its full cooperation, which means he cannot comment on the details of the case in order to "protect the integrity" of the investigation.

Austin and Little both practiced with the second team on Thursday in the portion of practice that was open to the media and have been regularly working with the second team since camp opened on Aug. 6.

Davis said "we're not at that point yet" where he has to make a decision about Austin or Little's status with the first team.

Junior Quinton Coples has moved from end to tackle to fill Austin's starting spot. Junior Michael McAdoo has moved from Robert Quinn's backup at right defensive end to the starter on the left end.

Erik Highsmith and Joshua Adams have been taking first-team reps at receiver.

-- J.P. Giglio