The North Carolina Tar Heels have a thing for developing star running backs. Some might even call UNC “Running Back U” – all you have to do is look at the extensive list of 1,000-yard rushers.
Over the past two seasons, Omarion Hampton is the star in question. He’s continuing to climb up North Carolina’s record books – and is in the midst of his second-consecutive 1,000-yard campaign.
Because of Hampton’s immense talent, it’s difficult for other Tar Heel running backs to find playing time.
Such is the case in particular for Caleb Hood, the in-state senior from Rockingham, who UNC head coach Mack Brown said plans to redshirt the remainder of 2024.
Hood, initially recruited as a quarterback out of Richmond High School, only has 391 rushing yards through three-and-a-half seasons. Hood found limited success as a 4-game starter in 2022: 250 rushing yards, 119 receiving yards and one touchdown, but an injury shortened his season.
In just three games this year, Hood has one rushing yards and 29 receiving yards. Hampton is undoubtedly the clear top back, but the emergence of freshman Davion Gause has also pushed Hood down the depth chart. USC transfer Darwin Barlow is also in the mix, but like Hood, he’s finding a tough path to playing time.
I truly hope Hood decides to stay at North Carolina for the 2025 college football season, as the team will certainly need him. Hampton is likely heading to the NFL, while Barlow exhausts his eligibility, leaving Gause as the only other back with extensive game experience.
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