Durant Does About-Face, Decides to Stay With Tar Heels

The Tar Heel quarterback, who announced Feb. 25 that he intended to transfer at the end of the semester, has a bird's-eye view of the field from his room in Carmichael Residence Hall.

That's why his teammates weren't surprised by Monday's announcement that Durant had decided to remain at UNC and return to the football team.

"I can't say I didn't expect it at all," said fellow North Carolina quarterback Matt Baker. "I know he loves football as much as all of us, and I knew he'd miss it."

That's the reason offered for Durant's return by UNC coach John Bunting -- that he missed being with the team. Durant wasn't available for comment Monday.

Bunting, who indicated five weeks ago that he'd leave the door open if Durant wanted to return, said he learned of the quarterback's desire to come back Thursday. He then met with team leaders to decide whether to let Durant rejoin the Tar Heels.

"You could probably find somebody who does not want him back, but that's not what I'm looking for," Bunting said. "I'm looking for the majority of our football team to embrace him coming back, and they have. They all met with Darian (Monday) in a team meeting, and everything went well."

Most Tar Heels, including Durant's competitors for the starting quarterback job, are pleased to have a player of his talent back in the fold. Durant, who set UNC freshman passing records for touchdowns, completions, yards and total offense last year, also brings the experience of a championship season.

"We all want Darian around," said C.J. Stephens, who Bunting said remains the front-runner for the starting quarterback job next year. "He's an outstanding player, an outstanding person, and we're thrilled to have him back."

Bunting was pleased to have Durant back as well, both for his ability and for the healthy competition Durant brings to the starting job.

"When he gets over the ball, he knows what to do," Bunting said. "He's got great vision, makes great decisions and obviously has a knack for making plays. He's a playmaker."

Durant will share reps in practice with Baker as the two look to challenge Stephens for the starting job. Baker said Durant's return won't affect him.

"It's still the same situation for me," Baker said. "I'm still going out to practice every day working to be the number one quarterback."

Bunting said that performance will ultimately determine who starts the season but that Durant will have to work hard.

"He's got to make a commitment to being part of this program again," he said. "What we're expecting is he'll follow through with that. Based on what he's told me, these last five weeks have been the most miserable five weeks of his life. He never wants to feel that way again."

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