Analysis: Returning running backs look to improve UNC's ground game

North Carolina had become well known in past seasons for its explosive ground game, but UNC's running backs dipped in production in 2022.

Before the season opener, projected starter British Brooks suffered a season-ending knee injury. Several Tar Heels made starts in his place before Elijah Green settled into the lead back role by the end of the season. Ultimately, quarterback Drake Maye led the team with 698 net rushing yards.

With all six running backs from last year returning to the roster, head coach Mack Brown will have plenty of options to choose from in 2023.

Here's a look at each of those players:

British Brooks

The final stretch of the 2021 season seemed to be the long-awaited breakout for Brooks, who had previously been captain of the special teams unit. In the final three games of that season, he logged 285 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Entering his sixth and final year at UNC, Brooks will be a leader in the running back room. Over 600 days removed from his last game, he will once again face South Carolina in Bank of America Stadium. Whether he will be able to match the explosiveness he showed in 2021 – averaging over 9 yards per carry – is one of the biggest unanswered questions for this running back group.

Omarion Hampton

Hampton impressed in his first college game with 101 yards and two touchdowns against Florida A&M. Two weeks later, he topped that by amassing 110 yards and finding the end zone twice against Georgia State. His production dropped sharply after that, and he finished the season with 401 yards — second amongst running backs behind Green.

Entering his sophomore campaign, Hampton will continue to rely on his strength, as opposed to his speedier counterparts. Using his 220-pound frame, Hampton will look to wear down defenders by plowing through initial contact and making defenders miss tackles.

Elijah Green

After having only 21 carries in his first two years with the program, Green broke out in 2022 with 558 yards on 131 rushing attempts and eight touchdowns. 

The 5-foot-11-inch back relies on his speed to get downfield in a hurry. He displayed that speed against Georgia Tech last year for an 80-yard touchdown run on North Carolina's opening play. Green can also serve as a receiving target — he caught 17 passes for 107 yards and a receiving touchdown last year.

Caleb Hood

Similar to Brooks, Hood seemed destined for a productive year before suffering a season-ending upper body injury in week eight against Pitt. He rushed for 250 yards in the seven games he appeared in.

Still, Hood flashed his greatest potential as a pass catcher, leading all running backs with 119 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Rockingham, N.C. native should contribute versatility to both the ground and air in his return to the gridiron.

George Pettaway

Pettaway, a former four-star recruit, showed flashes of potential early in his first season, scoring touchdowns against Florida A&M and Appalachian State. Despite that, he was primarily relegated to kick returner duties for most of 2022. With Pettaway potentially mixing in snaps as a slot receiver in 2023, he should have a greater presence in the offense as a sophomore.

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