UNC Quarterback Transferring to Catawba for 2009 Season

by Evan Markfield (Eric Bryant Ross, Editor), Carolina Blue. When North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates went down with an injury last season, many wondered what would become of the Tar Heels' promising season. Once-forgotten backup Cam Sexton, who had dipped to the third-string spot on the depth, emerged and salvaged Carolina's season, which ended with an 8-4 regular-season record and an appearance in the Continental Tire Bowl.

But Sexton decided when the season was over that he would graduate from UNC and use his final season of eligibility as a Division II quarterback. He spoke about his next stop:

So when did you make the decision to head to Catawba?
I guess I made it at the beginning of March. It really came down to them and North Alabama.

What made it the right choice for you?
I just felt like it was the best place for me. It fit well, I like the offense. I like the coaching staff. I really clicked with them. And I think the team is prepared to have a great year, watching them on film. I think they got good guys and they're strong in a lot of areas. You know, sometimes you've just got to go with your gut feeling and that was my gut feeling, so that's where I'm headed.

Will it be weird to be switching uniforms after all this time in Carolina blue?
Oh, absolutely. Every day you miss it, with it being spring ball. It's going to be different, but I'm looking forward to the challenges coming with it. You know, going out there and playing. I'm just going there to win. I want to have the best season we can at Catawba.

How much of a challenge is that, being the new guy while also being the quarterback, who is sort of the leader or face of a team?
The first thing I've got to do is earn the respect of the guys because I'm going to be there on short notice. It's important, and they have to understand I'm there to help them win and we've got to do it together. That will be step one.

Think you'll probably see some Carolina fans out there at the games?
Yeah, I hope so. I hope everybody comes to see us. I know I'll have my family and friends there, and if Tar Heel fans want to come out and see us, that'll be great. Absolutely.