Jan. 19, 2003

Mobile, Ala. ----- University of North Carolina wide receiver Sam Aiken capped an impressive week at the Senior Bowl on Saturday with a game-high nine catches for 69 yards. Although Aiken's South Team lost the game, 17-0, Aiken was one of the bright spots in a defensive struggle.

The South's star-studded offense, which included quarterbacks Carson Palmer, Kliff Kingsbury and Chris Simms, was mostly done in by mistakes, with three turnovers and a missed field goal keeping the North's shutout intact. No other player on either team caught more than three passes.

NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. praised Aiken's ability to catch difficult passes and said the Kenansville, N.C., native runs good routes. Kiper projects Aiken will be selected between the third and fifth rounds.

Aiken led the Tar Heels the last two seasons in receptions and yards. As a senior in 2002, he set school records in receptions (68) and yards (990.)