UNC QB Cameron Sexton Picks Catawba

By Sammy Batten
Fayetteville Observer

The former Scotland star says the school is ‘a good fit with their coaches.’

Cam Sexton won’t be moving far from Chapel Hill to continue his college football career.

Sexton, who announced in January he would transfer from North Carolina after directing the Tar Heels to a 4-2 record as a starter last season, said Wednesday he’ll play in 2009 at Catawba College in Salisbury.

“I just felt like it was a good fit with their coaches,’’ Sexton said. “They run a pro-style offense there, which is what I was looking for, and they’re in position to be very successful next year. They have a lot of older guys that provide a lot of stability in the program.’’Sexton proved to be a savior for UNC last year as a redshirt junior when he stepped in for injured starter T.J. Yates. The former Scotland High School star completed 94 of 198 passes for 1,261 yards and nine touchdowns before Yates returned to action.

Anticipating that Yates would be the Tar Heel starter again in 2009, Sexton decided to go ahead and graduate from UNC in May and transfer to another school where he could play immediately next fall. His options were limited to NCAA Division II level programs.

Sexton looked closely at three schools – Catawba, North Alabama and Valdosta State – before deciding to join the Indians late last week. He informed Catawba head coach Chip Hester and offensive coordinator Matt Barrett on Sunday.

“They were excited, and I’m excited, too,’’ Sexton said. “They were some of the first people who contacted me after I announced my decision to transfer.’’

Sexton’s decision was also influenced by former Scotland High teammate, Stuart Adams, who played linebacker for the Indians in 2005 and still resides in Salisbury.

“Stuart had only positive things to say about Catawba,’’ Sexton said. “He gave me some great advice and told me it was a good experience for him.’’

Sexton will step into an offense that has featured a potent passing attack directed by Barrett, who is a graduate of Fayetteville’s Terry Sanford High School. Barrett coached AFCA All-American quarterback Brad Roach in 2007. Roach threw for 7,874 yards and 62 touchdowns during his Catawba career and signed last January with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Three players who saw significant action last season at quarterback for the Indians will return in 2009. Sophomore Patrick Dennis saw the most extensive playing time, appearing in 10 games and throwing for 1,152 yards and 13 touchdowns. Junior Howard Williamson passed for 619 yards and five scores in five games, while redshirt freshman Daniel Griffith had 125 yards passing and one touchdown in seven games.

The Indians also signed Shrine Bowl quarterback Brett Mooring, who led West Craven High School to the state 3-A championship game as a senior.

Sexton is looking forward to working with Mooring and all the Catawba quarterbacks.

“We discussed me working with him (Mooring), and I’m anxious to do that,’’ Sexton said. “I’m just happy to have this decision made now and I’m looking forward to continuing my career at Catawba.’’