June 21, 2002

Q: Can you site an example here recently where the old Dexter Reid might have gotten into trouble where as the new, mature Dexter Reid, made the right call?
DR: "Lately I have focused on not putting myself in a position where I have to make those kinds of decisions. I have been working out, running at 6:30 in the morning, going to two classes and then going to work until 9:00 p.m. at night."

Q: What does the physical contact side of football do for you?
DR: "I was brought up with the philosophy of 'hit or be hit.' My high school coach was an aggressive guy and I was of as aggressive nature and he would always tell me 'deliver the blow, don't be the blow."

Q: What are you concentrating on doing differently this season?
DD: "I had 10 interceptions last year, and that's not going to get it done this year. So I'm trying to look at the plays where I made bad reads and try to learn from those."

Q: Last year the defense kept UNC in the game and now this year everybody is looking at the offense to carry the team. How do you see it?
DD: "The defense did play well last year, but in some of those games we put up a lot of points. With the offense being the focus this year even more, it makes it a challenge and it's kind of exciting. There hasn't always been a lot of excitement about football around here, but we are trying to bring that to Chapel Hill."

Q: How do you feel about the loss of some of UNC prominent receiver(s)?
DD: "That hurt us a lot, but at the same time we have guys who have been willing to step up. I feel good about the addition of Jarwarski (Pollock) and the guys coming off injuries, so I'm pretty sure as a whole these guys can be the total package that Bosley Allen was. Bosley was a tremendous loss, yet, it gave these other guys a chance to step up and I believe they will."

Q: Was it hard to swallow your pride and make the decision to come back?
DD: "No, not really. Because before I left Coach Bunting and I sat down and had a long talk and he told me if I had second thoughts don't be shy about coming and talking to me about it. I realize that people make mistakes, and I'm human and there is no need to be ashamed about being human. I am happy that Coach Bunting has given me another opportunity to play because a lot of coaches would not have done what he did."

Q: How much yelling are you going to have to do in your cornerback spot?
MW: "I am going to have to talk to the safeties a lot more than I did last year. Communication is a big key in football and we are going to have to step that up."

Q: Is there more pressure on the upperclassmen of the team?
MW: "There is a lot of pressure on us this year. The younger guys are looking for some leadership and with me being one of the returning starters they have to come to me."

Q: Coach Bunting said earlier that he felt that you could cover anybody in America, is that nice to hear coming from your head coach?
MW: "Yes. That's nice hearing that comment coming from anybody, especially from 'Coach.'"

Comment on the Tar Heel receivers.
CJS: "I would not trade our receivers for any other receivers in the country. I am looking forward to getting them the ball and seeing what they can do."

Q: As a unit, what are some of the things they can do as far running long routes and over-the-middle routes. Can they do it all?
CJS: "Yes, they really can. We have a lot of receivers that do just about everything and also we have receivers that are good in specific areas. They can fill all the gaps. We've got guys who are quick, guys who are big and guys that are both, so I believe we ought to be able to exploit a lot of weaknesses with all the versatility we have out there."

Q: How well along is the offensive line?
CJS: "I think that football is always a learning process. I think that especially last year with all new coaches and learning a new offense we had a big time learning curve. But we grew leaps and bounds throughout the year, including both the running backs and the offensive line. So, I believe we should be able to run the ball really well this year. Every day I see the running backs working extremely hard in the weight room, as well as the offensive line. We should be very strong in those areas."

Q: How is it working with the coaching staff?
CJS: "It has been very intense. We are working hard but I believe it is going to make us better. It has been exciting to be part of a team that is extremely dedicated to trying to become better every single day. There are not a lot of people taking a day off, and that's exciting. A lot of what goes into football has to do with talent but a lot of it has to do with opportunity, dedication and preparation and we are going to make the best of everything we have got. Again, we are a very talented team."