Very bad news UNC fan Durant out for the Season

Surgery to sideline Durant
Posted on Mon, Oct. 21, 2002

Heels 'rally around' Stephens
Surgery to sideline UNC quarterback
A broken thumb will keep starter out until a possible bowl game
GREGG DOYEL
Raleigh Bureau




Durant


Darian Durant's assault on the North Carolina record book, like his season, is finished. The sophomore was diagnosed Sunday with a season-ending broken right thumb, granting a number of UNC fans their wish -- an extended look at backup C.J. Stephens.

Before getting hurt Saturday in a 37-27 loss at Virginia, Durant was on pace to break most North Carolina season passing records. With a six-week recovery time and five games left, he most likely will have to settle for No. 6 in yards (1,861), No. 5 in touchdowns (15).

His odds of returning this season are long. The Tar Heels (2-5, 0-3 ACC) would have to get into a bowl. He will have surgery today.

"He was on his way toward leading the ACC in passing," coach John Bunting said. "It's hard to beat what he's done."

Stephens gets the chance. He will make his first career start Saturday at Wake Forest.

Stephens had solid numbers -- 9-for-15 for 103 yards and a touchdown, with a final-play interception into the end zone -- but struggled for two possessions as Virginia pulled away.

"We're all going to rally around C.J. Stephens," Bunting said. "I was with the St. Louis Rams when Trent Green went down -- the franchise quarterback. ... C.J.'s got to play, and we're going to rally around him, just like we did (in St. Louis) around that guy -- Kurt Warner."

North Carolina trainer Dan Hooker said the injury wouldn't sideline a linebacker, but derails a quarterback. Durant was having a near-flawless game -- 14-for-18 for 226 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions -- against the Cavaliers.

"It will take at least six weeks, possibly longer to heal," Hooker said. "For next year he's going to be fine."

For now the team turns to Stephens, a junior Florida transfer who had competed with Durant to start. Bunting said he's not inclined to self-pity.

"No, that's not me," he said. "I'm ready to fight even harder now. I'm excited about this football team trying to overcome something."

• Two key defenders, starting end Will Chapman (broken wrist) and reserve linebacker Clay Roberson (dislocated thumb), also were hurt against Virginia. Bunting said he expects them to play Saturday, "but there's no guarantee."


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Possible Bowl game? Yeah right

 

Why is this bad news again?

 

becase there allot of unc fan and he is are baset player

 

thats why UNC sucks

 

boma suck

 

boma?

 

Alboma.

 

rall teid!

 

No it's Rail Toad