Chapel Hill, N.C. A school-record nine North Carolina players were selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, including five on Saturday. Safety Da’Norris Searcy, running back Johnny White, quarterback T.J. Yates, linebacker Quan Sturdivant and tight end Ryan Taylor were picked in final four rounds of the draft.
“It’s an exciting day to be a Tar Heel,” said head coach Butch Davis. “I’m thrilled for the guys who were selected and I’m hopeful a few others will get an opportunity as a free agents. I think several of our players, like T.J. Johnny and Ryan, benefitted from playing in our pro-style offense. It should make their transition to the NFL that much easier. Our assistant coaches and our program did a great job preparing our players for the next level.”
North Carolina and USC tied for the most picks in the country with nine.