For years, UNC football has had a stacked running back room. From Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, who are now both in the NFL, to last year’s Omarion Hampton and British Brooks, the Tar Heels have had a dominant run game for years.
With Brooks now on the Houston Texans, Hampton was looking for a new backfield mate. Incoming transfer Darwin Barlow and senior Caleb Hood will serve as the committee behind the workhorse back.
Hampton has been projected to top his 1,500-yard season from last year while being named to every award watch list and draft prospect list imaginable for the upcoming season.
However, while top-backs like Ashton Jeanty, Ollie Gordon II, and Tahj Brooks all don’t have great second-backs in the room, North Carolina’s can be severely underlooked.
Last year, Omarion Hampton rushed for 1,504 yards, second most in UNC history.
How many yards do you think he has this year? đđ pic.twitter.com/05zOAUJczU
— Great Day Tar Heel (@GreatDayTarHeel) August 19, 2024
According to 247sports, Â the peak of running back rooms this season has been season by Ohio State after keeping TreVeyon Henderson and bringing in transfer Quinshon Judkins. They are joined by Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen of Penn State and Jordan James and Noah Whittington of Oregon.
Hampton will be joined by Barlow who has never averaged under 4.5 yards per carry in his five-year NCAA career. It was highlighted by a 62-carry, 289-yard season in 2021.
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