April 28, 2008

Chapel Hill, N.C. ----- North Carolina defensive end/linebacker Hilee Taylor was selected in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers Sunday. Taylor earned second-team All-ACC honors last year after finishing with 16 tackles for losses and 10.5 sacks. The Laurinburg, N.C., native will join a Panther defense that also includes former Tar Heel standout Julius Peppers. Taylor played primarily as a rush end in Chapel Hill, but many analysts project him as a linebacker in the NFL.

"It was a long day to see the teams keep picking and not see your name," said Taylor. "It works your nerves, but when Carolina drafted me, I was thrilled. I don't have to leave the state and most of my family is from Charlotte. I'm happy I get the chance to work with Julius Peppers and learn from him. He's a great player."

At the Tar Heels' second pro day on April 1 in Chapel Hill, Taylor worked extensively with Panthers' defensive line coach Sal Sunseri. Taylor indicated his role with the Panthers will be similar to his freshman year in Chapel Hill when he was primarily a pass rush specialist.

Taylor will report to Charlotte this weekend for a mini-camp and then stay in the Queen City for off-season workouts.