Ferranto reflects on Davis firing

It was just weeks ago that offensive tackle John Ferranto gave his commitment to North Carolina. The Burlington (N.J.) Burlington Township lineman discussed the Butch Davis firing and his status with the Tar Heels now.

"You know, it definitely surprised me with the whole timing of everything," he said. "I wasn't expecting it to come the week before training camp. It's a big disappointment and a shock.

"I was still looking forward to playing under him and it's kind of upsetting."

What does Ferranto make of the whole situation now?

"The way I kind of see it is Butch Davis is a great guy," he said. "I was looking forward to playing underneath him, but that was not the only reason I committed to North Carolina. And that will not lead to my decommitment. I'm still committed to North Carolina and hope they can prove themselves with Coach Withers so he can get that interim tag removed following a great season."

Of course, other colleges have come to Ferranto since the news.

"I've gotten a few emails from schools and a couple new schools came in and asked how I'm doing. They told me if I need anything to come up for a visit."

Would he consider any other schools?

"For right now I'm not, but the next two months are kind of shaky," he said. "I'm not going to close all of my options off just in case the worst does happen."

Still, Ferranto assures he's still committed and went into detail why.

"When I went to the school, I loved North Carolina and Chapel Hill," he said. "I met the players and they aren't going anywhere. They are a bunch of great guys. Coach Pittman is another reason, he's a great guy and there were different factors that played into it."

So, does he know much about Coach Withers?

"I have not yet met him," he said. "He was on the defensive side of the ball and going through camp I was on offense. I'm looking forward to meeting him.

"I probably don't have a recent trip coming up, but once the season gets started I'll probably go down early for the James Madison or Rutgers game, a couple games this season."

With his season largely his focus right now, Ferranto is looking ahead.

"I'm definitely excited as this is my first year playing on the offensive side of the ball for the whole season," he said. "I'm looking forward to that.

"In my four years, this is possibly the most talented team I've had. I'm excited to see how it goes."