Tracking Dontae Balfour’s journey from UNC to leading Charlotte 49ers’ defense

Dontae Balfour is back in a Charlotte 49ers’ uniform.

The junior cornerback shattered school records last season with 11 pass breakups, including a record four in one game. He now enters his second year in green and gold after transferring from North Carolina.

Initially a four-star recruit coming out of Starke, Florida, Balfour is an athlete. Along with being an all-state football player, Balfour was a top guard on Bradford High School’s basketball teams throughout his career.

Not only that — as a sophomore, he qualified for the Florida High School Athletic Association track and field championships in both 300-meter hurdles and long jump.

At the American Athletic Conference’s preseason media day in Arlington, Texas, Balfour explains the motivation behind his athletic career, the Dré Bly effect in Charlotte, why he loves his hometown and much more. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Balfour’s three-sport background

Shane Connuck: You averaged 15.5 points per game in basketball and qualified for state championships in track and field. Were you always a football guy? Which came first?

Dontae Balfour: I grew up playing basketball. That was the first sport that really caught my attention. I didn’t really play football until middle school — and track. I was a good triple jumper, and I was fortunate to do that, too.

SC: How have you noticed your athleticism from other sports translate to the football field?

DB: Basically, when I attack a football, it’s like me dunking. Or getting a rebound. The one-foot jump really helped me in some aspects.

Then track, it’s kept me well-winded. I can play all day. Track is not easy, and you push yourself. That definitely translated to the football field with how I play.

SC: When you were growing up, were there any athletes you looked up to and tried to model your game after?

DB: I’d say Jalen Ramsey . I grew up a Florida State fan, so I was always watching him, Dalvin (Cook) , Derwin James Jr. , Jameis Winston , all of them. Just the dog mentality that they have, separated them from everybody else.

You can just tell they want it more than the next person. Watching them throughout my childhood years really molded me into what type of player I am.

SC: Where does that passion for sports come from?

DB: Always being competitive. When I first started football, my friends, that was way ahead of their time. Like, there were some real athletes, and we were only 10 or 12 years old. They pushed me — without them even knowing — because I knew I had some catching up to do.

My uncle, he was a high jump champion for three years in a row. And he played basketball, too. I know that from him. That competitiveness — and just always wanting to be the best.

Small-town dreams ‘helped me be the person I am today’

SC: You’ve made it a point to go back and visit your hometown of Starke, Florida . What makes it special?

DB: It’s a small town. Very easy to get in trouble. But we do have a lot of great athletes — and really, people who just needed guidance.

It was good. I felt like it helped me be the person I am today. Just made me appreciate stuff like that. Growing up in Starke, I’m just grateful to be around people who support me.

SC: Before coming to Charlotte, you chose to attend UNC over LSU and Auburn when you initially committed. What made you pick the Tar Heels?

DB: Really, the deal-breaker was Dré Bly , who’s on our staff now. It was just me and him. That connection we had, that relationship. Really, that’s what made me go to UNC Chapel Hill, and being here at Charlotte, I just appreciate Coach Biff (Poggi) giving me opportunities to showcase my talent and give it all I’ve got.

SC: Seems like you’re enjoying everything about North Carolina.

DB: Surrounded by good people. Academically, it’s great, it challenges you and pushes yourself to be better. I really enjoyed my time (at UNC), I’ve got a lot of friends, lot of people I’ve met, connections. I won’t take that place for granted.

SC: What excites you most about the Charlotte 49ers heading into this season?

DB: I’m ready to see the defense fly around. We got some great athletes. I’m ready to see Max (Brown) score some touchdowns. Just ready to see us come together as a team and go to war against anybody.