North Carolina CB Brian Walker leaves team
North Carolina cornerback Brian Walker has left the program.
Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora told reporters that Walker, a junior, made the decision last week before the team’s road game against Pittsburgh. Though Walker had played in the team’s first seven games, Fedora said the move appears to be related to playing time.
“He left on his own,” Fedora said per The News & Observer. “I think he’s interested in finding a place where maybe he can get more playing time.”
Walker started all 12 games and had 38 tackles and three interceptions for the Tar Heels in 2014, but was moved to the nickel spot when Fedora brought in a new defensive staff led by Gene Chizik. Fedora said Walker had been the team’s primary nickel corner and was playing between 40 and 50 snaps per game. In the seven games he played, Walker had 12 tackles and five pass break-ups.
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He also played in 13 games with three starts as a true freshman in 2013. He finished that season with 21 tackles, six pass break-ups and one interception.
The Tar Heels improved to 7-1 (4-0 ACC) and are now ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll after the win over Pitt last Thursday. Next on the schedule is a home game with rival Duke on Saturday. A win would give UNC wins over its two closest competitors in the ACC Coastal.
For more North Carolina news, visit TarHeelIllustrated.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
