UNC Football: Running Backs Shine in Season Opener
By Mark DeMott
The UNC football program’s running backs showed plenty of potential in the Tar Heels’ season-opening win over Florida A&M last night.
There is no doubt that there were plenty of positive and negative takeaways from last night’s season opening 56-24 win for the UNC football program over Florida A&M. One area that was a bright spot was the production that the Tar Heels offense got out of the running back position.
With British Brooks out for the season, saying that the Heels lack experience at running back would be an understatement. North Carolina decided to go with a half back by committee approach last night and the results were very encouraging.
Although DJ Jones got the start, true freshman Omarion Hampton got the most carries on Saturday night. The Clayton, North Carolina native had 14 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns.
Hampton has been earning tons of praise this offseason, and Carolina fans have to like what they saw in the first game of his UNC career. With runs like this one, he showed a physical style that will be hard for defenses to stop once he gets downhill.
UNC true freshman and former 4-star running back recruit Omarion Hampton ran for 101 yards in his debut.
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) August 28, 2022
He's 6-0, 220 lbs and possesses great burst and speed for his size. He's also elusive and powerful. Looks like a legit running back prospect. pic.twitter.com/9p7ARaBEm4
Hampton wasn’t the only freshman to make an impact in the Carolina running game, as George Pettaway had a big game as well. He had 4 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown, and took some ankles along the way:
The cuts and speed on this TD run from true freshman George Pettaway 😮@UNCFootball | @gpettaway2 pic.twitter.com/hc3IkNAMi5
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) August 28, 2022
The elusiveness of Pettaway and the physicality of Hampton has some Tar Heel fans dreaming about a backfield similar to what Michael Carter and Javonte Williams offered a couple of years ago.
While those two made most of the headlines, the UNC football program also got solid production from Elijah Green, DJ Jones, and Caleb Hood as well. Overall, the Heels picked up 314 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground (including some yards from the quarterback position).
Although last night was very encouraging, we will learn much more about Carolina’s backfield when the competition steps up next week at App State. Nonetheless, Tar Heel fans should be encouraged by what they saw out of the young backs against Florida A&M.
Quick Hitters: FAMU. dark. Next
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