120 Players You Need To
Know
North Carolina LB Quan Sturdivant
By
Richard Cirminiello
Who is Quan Sturdivant?
… There’s something special taking place with the
Carolina football program. Sturdivant is a prime example of the
improved talent level at a school that’s ready to explode beyond the
days of second-rate bowl invitations. Butch Davis, and John Bunting
before him, is committed to bringing elite athletes to Chapel Hill
in an effort to make autumn more than just a preamble to the start
of the basketball season. Sturdivant had all kinds of offers to
continue his athletic career, but chose to stay close to home and be
a Tar Heel. A quarterback and safety in high school, he’s bulked up
without losing any acceleration to become one of the ACC’s premier
linebackers. In his most extensive action since arriving, he erupted
as a sophomore in 2008, making a team-high 122 tackles, while
flashing the speed and big-play ability that are quickly becoming
his trademarks. Still learning the position, Sturdivant figures to
be even more stingy and disruptive in his second year as a
full-timer. With Bruce Carter on the same unit, Carolina has the
ingredients of the most athletic set of starting linebackers in the
conference.
Sturdivant’s best game so far
was … last Oct. 11 versus Notre Dame. In an important
nationally-televised win for the program, Sturdivant had a huge game
for the Tar Heels. Not only did he have 10 tackles and a tackle for
loss, but he also had a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown
that ignited a Carolina comeback in the second half.
Why you should care about
Quan Sturdivant? … In just two seasons with the Tar Heels, he
has developed into one of the top young linebackers in the ACC. One
of the poster boys for what’s taking place in Chapel Hill,
Sturdivant is the type of athlete that often winds up playing four
seasons in the SEC. After leading Carolina in tackles in his first
full season as a starter, he’s on the cusp of a statement season for
one of the country’s fast-rising programs.
Positives
about Sturdivant … Sturdivant’s biggest strength is his overall
athletic ability. For a 6-2, 230-pounder, he exhibits outstanding
quickness and sideline-to-sideline speed. He reads and reacts well,
sifting through the wash and making a bee line for the man with the
ball. Because of his athleticism, he’s also an asset in pass defense
and a threat to emulate an offensive player when he gets his hands
on the ball.
Negatives about Sturdivant
… Although Sturdivant has been heading in the right direction since
arriving in Chapel Hill, he’d still like to add more muscle and bulk
to a lean frame. He’s fine when allowed to roam freely in space, but
when a guard or tackle gets to the second level, he has a tendency
to get swallowed up by the larger players.
A cool thing about Sturdivant
you probably didn’t know … A star quarterback at West Stanly
(NC) High School, Sturdivant initially committed to play for Florida
and Urban Meyer. However, he quickly reversed fields and decided to
play for his home state Heels.
Career Statistics
2007: 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one
interception
2008: 122 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks,
two interceptions, and four passes defended
Statistics, information and photo provided by the
North Carolina sports information department