With running back British Brooks missing Saturday’s game against Appalachian State with a lower-body injury, it gave another running back an opportunity to step up.
And Omarion Hampton did just that.
The Cleveland, North Carolina native had a monster game for the Tar Heels, rushing for 234 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. He got the Tar Heels on the board in the first quarter with a 68-yard touchdown run and picked up confidence ever since that run.
Hampton punished defenders every time he touched the ball, breaking several tacklers. It was a big spark for North Carolina’s offense in a game where they looked sluggish on both sides of the ball.
.@OmarionHampton to the 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚! pic.twitter.com/WS7nJNh8Js
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 9, 2023
The 234 yards are the most by a UNC running back since Ty Chander rushed for 213 back in November of 2021 against Notre Dame. With Hampton’s emergence, it should give UNC a two-headed monster at the position once Brooks returns.
They also have Caleb Hood and Elijah Green at the position, offering multiple options to keep others fresh.