| 83 Dauntae' Finger |
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One of the most underated players on the squad. Should get a chance to play in the NFL, especially if he continues to mature and develop like he did prior to last season. Very solid run blocker who is also adept in the passing attack. Hasn’t been asked to make a lot of catches, but has shown good hands and route-running ability.
Very active in community service. Worked with underprivileged children through the Carolina Outreach program, participated in the Dance Marathon that raised money for UNC Hospitals, is a United Way volunteer, mentored a local middle school student, helped raise money for Thanksgiving food drives and juvenile diabetes walk-a-thon, visited the UNC Hospitals children’s ward and was executive committee member for Carolina ACT (Athletes Coming Together). Participated in NCAA Leadership Conference in May 2000 in Orlando, Fla. One of more than 300 athletes selected to attend the seminar.
1999 -- Junior Season
Carolina’s Most Improved Player on offense. Played in all 11 games. Teamed with All-ACC selection Alge Crumpler to form one of the top tight end tandems in the league. Had 10 receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. Sealed the win at Indiana when he and Ronald Curry connected on an 11-yard touchdown in the final quarter. That was his first collegiate touchdown. Had three receptions for 12 yards against Furman. Made at least one receptions in eight of the 11 contests. His longest catch was a 25-yarder against Duke. That play came one snap before a UNC touchdown. Had a 13-yard grab against Wake Forest and a 12-yard catch at Maryland. Scored on a two-point conversion pass from Curry against Virginia. The catch and two points tied the game at 17 early in the fourth quarter. Played 492 snaps.
1998 -- Sophomore Season
Had three receptions for 30 yards. Made a difficult, 25-yard grab against Clemson. Also had catches against Wake Forest and Virginia. Played in 11 of the 12 games. Did not play against Maryland due to a concussion he received in the game at Florida State. Saw action on 343 snaps.
1997 -- Freshman Season
Saw his most extensive action against Stanford (29 plays). Also played 27 snaps against Duke. Saw action on 150 snaps in the regular season and 20 against Virginia Tech in the bowl game. Was red-shirted in 1996.
Newton-Conover High School
Shrine Bowl selection. Started at tight end for the North Carolina squad. Named all-state. All-conference selection in 1994 and 1995. All-Piedmont pick in 1995. Started at tight end as a junior and senior and at wide receiver as a sophomore. Also started at defensive end. Caught 12 passes for 178 yards and four touchdowns as a senior. Recorded 36 tackles, picked off one pass and recovered one fumble while playing defensive end. Coached by Don Patrick. Was conference player of the year in basketball for the 1994-95 season.
Personal
Born Dauntae’ Breyon Finger on April 5, 1977, in Hickory, N.C. Majoring in communications. Favorite pro team is the Los Angeles Lakers. Favorite athlete is Shaquille O’Neal. Greatest athletic achievements were scoring 35 points in a high school basketball game. Was raised by his grandmother. Is a television and radio host on campus. Post-college ambition is to be a football and basketball commentator. Says the word that best describes him is smooth. Hobbies are bowling, fishing and playing basketball.
Dauntae’ Finger’s Regular-Season Statistics
Year Rec Yds Ave TD LP
1998 3 30 10.0 0 25
1999 10 81 8.1 1 25
Totals 13 111 8.5 1 25
