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CHAPEL HILL North Carolina sophomore Bruce Carter never blocked a punt at Havelock High.
He was too busy returning them.
Which is why the multi-dimensional athlete gives No.22 Tar Heels (4-1) yet another weapon – and Notre Dame (4-1) something else to worry about – when they face off today at Kenan Stadium.
“We definitely have to give special attention to him after what he did,'' Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis said, referring to Carter's three blocked punts in the second quarter against Connecticut last week. Records haven't been kept, but officials are pretty sure that hasn't been done before.
“The irony is that it wasn't even on a (designed) block,'' Weis added. “Three times last week, they're setting up a wall return, and three times last week, he beats his guy … on the exact same thing. Any time a guy can beat his guy three times on a one-on-one, you definitely better give him some attention.”
And not just on special teams, either.
The starting linebacker known as “Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce” by the screaming Tar Heel fans in the stands (and a few in his classes this week, as well) has made an impact in a multitude of ways. Besides the four punt blocks (he also beat his man at Miami) this season, he ranks fourth on the team with 27 tackles and also has nabbed one of North Carolina's 12 interceptions this year.
He returned that pick 66 yards for a touchdown at Rutgers, marking his favorite feat as a Tar Heel.
And Carter said he doesn't care whether he's known more for his play on special teams or defense – he said he can do even more.
“I just want to be known as a player who works hard in everything he does,'' said the humble 6-foot-3, 230-pounder.
He's accomplished that pretty quickly.
Carter made his mark early last year, posting his first career block in the season opener against James Madison. He played in all 12 games as a freshman, starting seven – all despite transitioning to linebacker after playing quarterback, running back and safety in high school.
Charlie Smith, who coached Carter at Havelock, said that with all of the player's athletic ability, he knew it was only a matter of time that everything “clicked.” Carter said that finally happened last spring.
“The game just started to slow down for me, and I started to pick up on more things,'' Carter said. “In high school, I was on offense … so I was used to getting hit. Up here, you can level the hits.”
Especially on the guys who stand between him and the punter.
Notre Dame's Eric Maust, a baseball pitcher who is averaging 42 yards per punt, said he knows he – and his blockers – must be aware of No.54.
“But I also can't change my approach,'' Maust said. “You're always cognizant of who you're playing, but I need to worry about what I'm doing – catching the ball … getting it off.”
If Carter will let him.
“Bruce just has a knack for great anticipation, getting off the ball,'' North Carolina coach Butch Davis said. “He's a good enough athlete that he can work his way through small little cracks to give himself a chance to get to the ball.”
robbi.pickeral@newsobserver.com or 919-829-8944.
