Meredith blindsided by Davis news

For four-star tight end Justin Meredith, the news of Butch Davis' firing from North Carolina came as a shock. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder discussed that and his status with the Tar Heels now inside.

"I was totally blindsided," he said. "I was aware of everything going on at North Carolina. I knew something was going to happen with sanctions, but I had no idea they'd let Coach Davis go.

"I'm shocked. I'm still kind of asking why. You know, it really doesn't make sense to me. Obviously they know more than I do, they are kind of smarter than I am, the people on the board. They know what they are doing and did it for a good reason, they are looking to move on."

Since the news broke, Meredith has been in touch with his recruiter, Allen Mogridge.

"I've talked to Coach Mo, my tight end coach twice, once about 30 minutes after they fired Coach Davis and then last night," he said. "He was just kind of in shock too. He found out about 30 minutes before I did. He told me they are just looking to focus on this season and having a good season."

Already, North Carolina named Everett Withers the new interim head coach. Does Meredith know him?

"I actually haven't met him," he said. "Him being on the defensive side of the ball and me with the offensive guys I haven't met him, but I watched the press conference and he seems like a good guy.

"I'm going to go up there for a couple games this year, take my official visits and I would love to sit down and talk with him."

Obviously news of Davis' ouster caused plenty of team's to open up the lines of communication again.

"Oh yeah, a lot of schools inquired," he said. "I've told Coach Mo that I am still committed to North Carolina and if I had to step on campus tomorrow I would.

"It's kind of opened my eyes a bit. I'm looking at other options just in case things happen I don't like. I'm still committed though."

What is making Meredith stay committed?

"I didn't just commit to the football team, I committed to the school," he said. "North Carolina is where I really want to go to school as a student, that's one of the main reasons. The football team is going to be fine even in this interim. If they do bring in a new guy after the season, I'm sure they'll try to bring down a top-notch guy. North Carolina will be fine."

Nevertheless, Meredith mentioned the possibility of other teams still in play and are there any more specifics there?

"Coach Mo said he completely understood if I take visits, but I don't know if I'm going to," he said. "I only committed two months ago, so I know about these other schools. As of right now I don't think I'll take any other visits unless things change at North Carolina and something happens.

"My dad and I have briefly talked about other schools, but we haven't come out with a list."

Meanwhile, practice starts tonight for Meredith and he is focusing his attention on the season ahead.

"We start practicea t six o'clock and I'm pumped up going into my senior season," he said. "I've never been this excited to start a season. Last year I was hurt and had limited playing time, but this year I'm just looking to stay healthy and go 110% and try to win a region and state championship."