Mike Hughes QA

(Video at the bottom of the Q&A)

NEW BERN, NC - New Bern cornerback Mike Hughes announced late Monday morning he will attend North Carolina. Hughes is rated the No. 18 player in the nation at his position and 13th overall prospect in North Carolina by Rivals.com.

THI was at his press conference and here is what he had to say:

MH: First of all, I'd like to thank God and everyone that came here to support me, this whole school system for giving me a great four years here. I love this program, y'all supported me so much. And I'd like to say I'm taking my talents to the University of North Carolina. I'd like to thank all y'all for supporting me. It's been a great journey. This is only the beginning and like I said, thank you again. This means so much to me.

Mike, what was the deciding factor for you?

MH: The relationship I have with the coaches is great. I've been talking to them since my sophomore year and we have a great vibe. I just had a special connection with them.

I understand some of the guys at the Shrine Bowl that are going to UNC were recruiting you pretty hard.

MH: It went pretty well. It's all fun and games. The pressure wasn't too much. Like I said, it's all fun and games, but at the end of the day it was my decision, and I felt comfortable making that decision.

When did you let the UNC staff know?

MH: Saturday evening.

Now that you're officially a Tar Heel, how does it feel?

MH: This is a special feeling. I couldn't do it ithout my coaches, my family and most of all God. I just felt at home there.

When did you make your decision?

MH: Saturday evening after the Shrine Bowl.

What do you look forward to bringing to the Carolina team?

MH: I'm looking to play early. I'm enrolling early, so I'll go in, work hard and earn my spot. I'm looking to be a big factor however the coaches feel like they need me.

When are you leaving?

MH: January 4th, I think.

Was the opportunity to play early, because they do have opportunities there, was that a part of your decision making process?

MH: Yes, sir. The depth is pretty weak at defensive backs, so I feel like I'll be a pretty big (inaudible) there.

They're going to announce a new defensive coordinator here soon, have they told you there may be some changes, maybe a 4-3, maybe more man coverage and less zone? And if so, did that also play into it?

MH: We haven't really talked about it that much, but it wouldn't be a big factor for me. I just want to go out there and play ball, and that's all that matters to me.

Which coach was your recruiting contact?

MH: Coach Disch.

How big of a factor was it knowing (Larry) Fedora was at some of your games this year, just knowing that he made the effort to see you like he did?

MH: Yes, sir. Like I said, I've been in contact with them since my sophomore year. We have a great relationship, and him coming to watch me play in person was pretty big.

How much did playing with Shammon (???) play a role in your decision?

MH: It was a big factor. I've known him since the sixth grade. We've been playing ball since we were little, so it's really good to have somebody come up with me.