The UNC football program is watching two former Tar Heels pair up for Sam Houston Football of the Football Championship Subdivision. Former running back Elijah Green and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Phil Longo (now the head coach of Sam Houston) will reunite.
Green shared on X (formerly Twitter):
Betting on me. Thank you God. Let’s get to work @CoachPhilLongo @BearkatsFB pic.twitter.com/urhN7AWxnP
— Elijah Green (@elijahgreen2121) January 14, 2025
Green is entering his third school of his collegiate career — besides North Carolina, he has played for Indiana University. The Bearkats finished its season with a record of 10-3 overall and 6-2 in the Southland Conference.
For anyone who needs a refresher on Green, here is a small breakdown of his sophomore season as written on GoHeels:
"Appeared in 14 games at running back and on special teams • Earned the Bill Koman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Academics, Athletics & Leadership • Started each of the final five games of the season • Led the Tar Heels with eight rushing touchdowns • Ranked second on the team with 558 yards rushing • Averaged 39.86 yards per game, second-most on the team • Named to the All-ACC Academic Team • Had eight carries and 69 rushing yards against FAMU • Had a career-long 46 yard rush against the Rattlers • Scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and had 24 yards on three carries at Duke • Ran the ball eight times for 18 yards and a touchdown and had three catches for 14 yards against Pitt • Made first career start and responded with a career-high 91 yards on 22 carries and scored both a rushing and receiving TD at Virginia"
Longo, on the other hand, is entering his fourth school after making stops at Ole Miss and Wisconsin.
Sam Houston is getting assets familiar with top Division 1 level football — which plays to its advantage.
It's interesting to see how much the UNC football program has evolved over the past few seasons, regardless of the win-loss records. The change is evident, and with Bill Belichick leading the way — football in Chapel Hill will never be the same.