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Written by Michael Koh
Tuesday’s UNC football media availability broke a bizarre dry spell for the program.
When the quartet of offensive lineman Christo Kelly, wide receiver Jordan Shipp and defensive backs Thad Dixon and Will Hardy spoke with the press at the Kenan Football Center, it marked the first time any Tar Heel players had been made available since the Fenway Bowl. That was almost six months ago.
What’s more, Tar Heel Illustrated’s Andrew Jones pointed out the four were the first players still currently with the program to speak publicly since early November. For the starved beat reporter desperate for new sound on everyone’s favorite college football curiosity, Tuesday morning was like manna from Heaven.
The selection of players seemed intentional: an even split between offense (Shipp and Kelly) and defense (Dixon and Hardy) as well as between returners (Shipp and Hardy) and incoming transfers (Kelly and Dixon). They were preceded by head coach Bill Belichick, who gave the same comments he’s made all spring: the team is improving but not there yet. And of course, Chapel Bill brushed off any and all questions relating to girlfriend Jordon Hudson.
The players presented a much more interesting picture of the program. Kelly was of particular interest, being the first transfer to sign with the program following Belichick’s hiring. The former all-conference performer with Holy Cross burst out laughing when asked about his history with dance: Kelly is a trained dancer who won a halftime Irish dance competition during a Holy Cross basketball game. He also spoke highly of new quarterback Gio Lopez’s golf game.
Dixon, who followed defensive coordinator Steve Belichick over from Washington, raved about the southern weather and his fishing trips with teammates. As for what Tar Heel fans should expect from him as a player?
“Just tune in and watch,” he said with a smile.
Shipp, the talented young wideout whose potential jumps off the screen, was asked why he didn’t follow dozens of his teammates into the transfer portal. The Charlotte native didn’t skip a beat:
“It’s hard to transfer from a school that you love so much,” Shipp said. He then added: “It’s also hard to leave the greatest coach of all time.”
Hardy was the last player to speak. The veteran safety is now a UNC graduate after earning his degree in three years and is now pursuing a master’s degree at the Kenan-Flagler Business School. Hardy was asked about the stunning transfer of teammate and good friend Beau Atkinson, but would only say Atkinson did what he thought was best. As for why Hardy chose to stay, he said Belichick’s resume speaks for itself.
The four players were a welcome departure from the coach-speak and rumors that have dominated the UNC football headlines for months. We can only hope more will be made available in the long summer weeks to come.
Sometimes, it’s just good to talk ball.
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Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications
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