McAdoo's nonstop desire leads to UNC

Defensive lineman Jared McAdoo had never played football before his freshman season at Chapel Hill High.

But ever since he got started, McAdoo has been a wonder to watch, Tigers coach Isaac Marsh said.

Marsh spotted McAdoo, then a 6-foot-2, 260-pound basketball player, and told him that if he worked hard at football, he might win an athletic scholarship.

That's exactly what happened.

Within weeks of putting on a football uniform for the first time, McAdoo was playing varsity football at Chapel Hill.

Marsh, now a well-muscled 288-pounder, committed to the University of North Carolina in March.

"As I got to know the coaches there, I knew I wanted to go there," said McAdoo, who lives about a five-minute drive from UNC's Kenan Stadium.

Marsh first said McAdoo's dedication to football was the biggest reason the senior built himself into a player who was courted by recruiters from several Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference schools.

But on second thought, Marsh said, the thing that sets McAdoo apart is his desire.

"He works nonstop," Marsh said. "He has a nonstop motor. He runs on every play. He has a great desire to play the game. He gives a great effort on every down."

Scout.com has McAdoo ranked as the 15th best defensive tackle in the country and among the top six senior prospects in the state.

Last Friday, McAdoo helped Chapel Hill hold Person to 76 rushing yards on 26 attempts in a 24-12 victory.

The Tigers' front, which also includes a major college prospect in 270-pound Rodney Torain, has helped limit opponents to 477 rushing yards in five games, about 95 yards per game.

Chapel Hill is allowing 3.7 yards per rush and 14.4 points per game.

McAdoo is strong (325-pound bench press) and unusually quick for a big man, running 40 yards in 4.96 seconds.

He also is involved in the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) at school. His coach says he is a good student.

McAdoo is also facing a criminal charge -- he is accused of selling the prescription painkiller Percocet at a graduation after-party.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 15 for a felony drug-dealing charge.

McAdoo said he expects to play at UNC next fall but would not comment on his court case.