Uh...what he said...

.."I think we kind of got a little confused about the kind of athlete and coaches we went after,'' Thompson said. "Everybody is not a Carolina person. Even if you run the fastest or jump the highest, it doesn't mean you should be admitted to Chapel Hill. Character should come first."

"Maybe I'm old fashion, but where I come from men get hair cuts. Where I come from men put their shirt tails in their pants and don't let their pants sag. There are basic things when you step off a plane representing the University of North Carolina you should know. If you can't follow certain standards, you need to go back home."

"We're talking about character here."

"I think now, with our new athletic director and new coach, we are going to get back to preparing young men for life, not just for football. That's what we should be about," Thompson continued. ...

I assume Fed has red-balled getting Mr. Thompson to Kenan as an honorary captain and for a pre-game meal talk with his Heels.

nice to read about players who've taken opportunities and made the best of them. this is the kind of man you want your players and your kids to emulate.

Thank you for bringing this article to TTP. Donnell Thompson is a premier representative of UNC, both athletically and as a model for young men.
I believe that he was coached in junior football by Bob Osterneck, who is remembered as one of the best Non-alum fans (and friends) in the history of UNC.
I also seem to remember that Sammy Batten's first job as a newspaper reporter was at The Robesonian in Lumberton.
This is one of the best articles by Sammy Batten that I have read.

Great read. Thanks Sammy for showing the good side of sports and a former UNC player in particular.

you dont hear a lot about donnell....but he is what we are about at carolina....true class!

Awesome read....thanks Sammy!

+1. Thanks for sharing this great reading
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--- UNC85Heels wrote:

Awesome read....thanks Sammy!

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I remember him well. That Gator Bowl against Michigan is my favorite game ever. LT put 2 qbs out of the game. The 3rd teamer was crappin' his pants staring at LT as he was taking the snap. Hand off, hand off, hand off...punt.