THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 24, 1996 TAG: 9601240576
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Deep Creek fullback Deon Dyer, the 1995 Abe Goldblatt Award winner as area player of the year and a first-team All-State pick, Tuesday said he will sign with North Carolina.
``I had a lot of good offers,'' Dyer said. ``Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Norfolk State. But when I visited Carolina I just felt real comfortable. The atmosphere. The people. The team is like a family and treated me as a member.''
Dyer also was impressed with North Carolina coach Mack Brown.
``He was open and up front,'' Dyer said. ``Plus the program is on the rise. They have been to four straight bowls and I took that into consideration, also.''
Dyer has yet to qualify for freshman eligibility under NCAA guidelines.
``I'm two points short on the ACT and taking it again Feb. 3,'' he said. ``Bob Scott (a teacher at Deep Creek) is tutoring me and I have a strong feeling I'll make it.''
Dyer holds the school career records for rushing, 3,773 yards, and touchdowns, 57.
He rushed for 1,740 yards and 25 touchdowns in leading the Hornets to an 11-1 record and the Southeastern District championship last fall.
North Carolina traditionally has been run-oriented and that is not expected to change under new offensive coordinator Greg Davis.
``They are still going to use a fullback as well as some one-back sets and I'll get my share of running the ball,'' Dyer said. ``I don't expect to redshirt.''
Deep Creek coach Jerry Carter complimented North Carolina on its recruiting effort.
``They were very cooperative and very professional,'' he said. ``Deon's happy, so I'm happy.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Deon Dyer ``just felt real comfortable'' with North Carolina and
coach Mack Brown.
by CNB