Sexton to graduate could move to D-II program

When quarterback Cameron Sexton was given his second chance as a starter for the Tar Heels this season he won five games and threw for a career-record 1261 yards.

Now after announcing he will graduate in May" he could look for a second chance as a starter at a Division II school next year.

Sexton will leave North Carolina with a degree in communication studies even though he still has one year of eligibility remaining from his redshirt season.

""I have always been a competitor" and I have more goals I want to accomplish on the football field" Sexton said Wednesday in a statement released by UNC Athletics. I'll always be grateful for the opportunities I had at North Carolina.""

Though NCAA rules state Sexton would not be able to use his final year of eligibility at a Division I or I-AA school" he could play one more year at a D-II school" which he named as a possibility.

""I don't know what the future holds for me"" Sexton said. I'm considering all my options.""

An injury to North Carolina starter T.J. Yates early in the season gave Sexton the opportunity to play for UNC again this year" despite seeing little success in his first seasons.

Sexton won his first game in 2008 at Miami" after coming in off the bench.

""More or less I was just so excited about that win" Sexton said after the Sept. 27 game. There have been a lot of struggles over the years" and then that moment was emotional.

""I don't even really know what I was thinking. I was just excited.""

The starting spot was his from then on" and Sexton had a 5-2 record until Yates recovered from his fractured ankle.

Sexton's departure means UNC will have limited experience at backup quarterback next year with now-freshman Mike Paulus the sole QB behind Yates with game experience.

Paulus' totals in his first campaign don't bode well in the case of another Yates injury — 4-of-13 passing with two interceptions.

But Sexton's numbers did not indicate the success he'd have during his junior year either. After throwing four touchdowns and eight interceptions in eight games in 2006" Sexton threw for nine scores and six picks last season.

""Cam was an inspiration to our football team for his perseverance and determination" coach Butch Davis said in the statement.

He gave everything he had to this program" and Carolina fans will always remember the highlights he provided in 2008.""



Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.