Which is why the sophomore has been schlepping around his thick-as-a-phone-book play-binder for McNeese State all week.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge; we're definitely going to get tested deep," he said. "... But we're ready to show what we can do."

There probably isn't a better season-opening challenge for UNC's young secondary than facing a spread offense, which helped the Cowboys, ranked 10th in the preseason Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) poll, to an 11-0 regular season record in 2007.

The spread attack challenges defenses by stretching the field with multiple wide receivers and gaps between the offensive linemen. McNeese State's version is set up to showcase Steven Whitehead, the 2006 Southland Conference Player of the Year who missed most of last season with a medical redshirt; and Quinten Lawrence, who had 31 catches for 645 yards and six touchdowns last season.

UNC coach Butch Davis has been impressed by both, calling the duo "electrifyingly fast." Add poised veteran quarterback Derrick Fourroux, he said, and "the corners will be tested."

Then again, that's not a bad thing -- what with Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Miami on the horizon, and UNC's depth in the secondary so inexperienced.

Burney and safeties Deunta Williams and Trimane Goddard all started last season. But because corner Charles Brown, who started nine games last season, limped through most of training camp with a sprained ankle, junior Jordan Hemby will likely start Saturday, after sitting out two seasons because of injuries.

Brown, Tavorris Jolly and converted running backs Richie Rich and Johnny White will also likely see playing time. The secondary aims to be more physical and intercept more passes than the 11 picks they managed last year.

But the key Saturday for the entire defense, Williams said, is to be disciplined.

"They're going to bring more speed to the table; they're going to try to stretch the field a little bit, and once they stretch it enough, they're going to trying to cut it back and hit the crease," he said. "...When you're playing gap defense, you're playing about eight gaps. And you have to have every gap accounted for or they're going to get you for a big gain."

Davis said they tried to begin preparing the secondary for big-play attacks as far back as spring practice by asking offensive coordinator John Shoop to feature as many as 10 deep balls per workout.

"[It was] just to put those guys in situations, saying, 'Hey, look -- somebody's going to test you, so you may as well go against our guys, because it won't be much tougher," Davis said.

Indeed, Burney considers UNC's retrieving trio of Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Tate and Brooks Foster the best in the ACC, if not the nation. Facing them every day has taught them to play with more speed, smarts and aggressiveness, he said, "so going against those guys really prepares you."

Along with that thick play-binder. After all, the secondary's first test of the season could be a long one.

"I'm carrying this with me wherever I go," Burney said, holding up the playbook.

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