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Always like to see the local boys do well, even at UNC...03-wink

Quote:South Cobb grad finds role at UNC

Saturday, September 10, 2005 3:05 AM EDT

By David Friedlander
Marietta Daily Journal Sports Writer

When Mahlon Carey was being recruited during his senior season at South Cobb High School, the biggest question most college coaches had about him was where they could put him to get the most out of his skills.

He had size, strength, speed and athleticism, all in a 6-foot-1, 219-pound package.

"That's why he was recruited so heavily," South Cobb coach Shane Queen said. "He's such a great athlete, people knew he could play several positions."

Even after choosing the University of North Carolina, Carey's skills have created the same problem throughout his career in Chapel Hill.

And as he returns home - along with fellow former Cobb high school players Scott Lenahan of Harrison and Richie Rich of Wheeler - to begin his senior season when the Tar Heels take on Georgia Tech this afternoon at 3:30 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, the same conundrum surrounds him - where does coach John Bunting put him to take the fullest advantage of his skills?

For now, at least, the answer appears to be at strong safety.

That is where Carey has made his biggest impact during his previous three seasons in Chapel Hill after spending his freshman season at tailback, where he finished as North Carolina's third-leading rusher with 217 yards on 56 carries.

"I played my freshman year at running back," Carey said. "Then, they found out I could hit."

He was an instant hit when he was initially moved to safety during his sophomore campaign as he finished as the Tar Heels' second-leading tackler (96 total, including 62 primary stops) and recorded North Carolina's only two interceptions of the season.

And that is where he will start today's game after being moved to linebacker a year ago, recording a solid season by finishing sixth on the team with 53 tackles (35 primary). 

The latest move is one that he doesn't mind, though he is eager to find a permanent home in the Tar Heels' secondary.

"I have had the same spot consecutively in my four years here," Carey said. "It's hard to have a standout year when you're moving around so much. I like where I am now. I like to be able to see the field and break on the ball."

Still, Carey has shown his ability to adapt well to different assignments, something Queen saw plenty of during his career at South Cobb.

"There was one game that really stood out his senior year against Sequoyah," Queen said of the Eagles' 24-22 win in a key Region 6AAAA game Sept. 28, 2001. "He had (218) yards rushing, scored four touchdowns, 27 tackles, 17 solo tackles and blocked the potential game-winning field goal. That was probably one of the best individual efforts I've ever seen, and it shows you just how versatile he is."

That versatility has Carey poised for a standout season he talked about, but he will have a formidable task right out of the gate against Georgia Tech.

He will be called upon to help out North Carolina's cornerbacks deal with the Yellow Jackets' 6-4, 225-pound defending Rookie of the Year Calvin Johnson.

"He's a tall, physical player," Carey said of Johnson. "We'll have to play the ball and not Calvin Johnson because we know (Tech quarterback) Reggie Ball likes to go to him when in doubt."

A good performance during today's regionally-televised game against No. 17 nationally-ranked (by the Associated Press) Georgia Tech can go a long way toward earning him a chance at playing professionally.

But for now, Carey's biggest problem may be finding enough tickets for today's game to accommodate his many family members and friends.

"I'm still looking for some," Carey said while speaking to the North Carolina media last Tuesday. "Hey, have you got any?"

dfriedlander@mdjonline.com
09-10-2005 08:56 AM
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