Omarion Hampton made it look easy for the UNC football program, especially during his final two seasons in Chapel Hill.
One of the top running backs in the country, Hampton served as an absolute workhorse for the Tar Heels, accumulating over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. If the Tar Heels needed to extend the chains or simply needed a big play, No. 28 likely had the ball in his hands to make it happen.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, as Hampton has taken his talents to the NFL as a first round draft pick. Although Hampton has departed Chapel Hill (like many other elite running backs before him) the show must go on, as a new wave of talent will look to take the reins at the position.
Hampton's void is one that will likely take multiple players to fill. Fortunately, the Tar Heels have a pretty talented sophomore, along with some veteran guys, who seem to be up for the challenge.
Our 2025 UNC football positional previews continue at the running back spot, an area that Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels hope they can rely on this upcoming season.
What We Know
Omarion Hampton has departed to the NFL. That's the obvious, notable news surrounding this positional group.
In the same token, Davion Gause and Caleb Hood return, but we'll get to that duo in just a bit.
We also know that this group features four freshman and a transfer, adding some much-needed depth at the position.
Key Players (In Alphabetical Order)
Charleston French
If you're looking for a "sleeper pick" among this group, look no further than Charleston French.
Tar Heel fans got a taste of what he can do with the football in his hands during his sophomore season. He made his UNC football debut against Charlotte, finding the endzone for the first time while adding 84 yards on the ground.
He saw limited action a season ago, but has the ability to be one of those guys who surprises you if he earns the opportunity to see meaningful snaps this season.
2024 Stats (4 Games): Rushed the ball 10 times for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Davion Gause
Gause showed some flashes of being the next great running back to wear the Carolina Blue uniform. During his true freshman season, Gause rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns while also returning a blocked punt for a score.
Heading into his sophomore season, the country believes he's a true breakout candidate, as he earned a spot on the Doak Walker Award Watch List. You'd have to expect that Gause will become the workhorse in the backfield for the UNC football program for the foreseeable future.
2024 Stats (13 Games): Rushed the ball 67 times for 326 yards and four touchdowns. He added four catches and 45 yards through the air.
Benjamin Hall
The UNC football program hit the transfer portal hard during the early portion of the Bill Belichick era, but only brought in one running back to add to their current depth chart.
That player is Benjamin Hall, a 5-foot-11 rising junior who spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Michigan Wolverines. The opportunities were limited for Hall during his time in Ann Arbor, but maybe a change of scenery will be just what he needs.
2024 Stats (6 Games): Rushed the ball 29 times for 72 total yards.
Caleb Hood
One of the "wish list" items for all UNC football fans this season is for a full season of health for redshirt senior Caleb Hood.
An extremely talented football player, Hood has been injury-ridden during his time in Chapel Hill, playing in less than seven games during each of his four seasons on campus. In 2024, Hood was limited to just five games, as he tried to fight through the pain but ultimately couldn't.
Tar Heel fans want to see what Hood can do with a clean bill of health over a full season. While it's not likely that he'll manage a very heavy workload, he could be a very nice compliment to Gause in the UNC football program's backfield this season.
2024 Stats (5 Games): Rushed the ball 18 times for 81 yards. He completed two of three passing attempts for 19 yards and a touchdown, while also recording four catches for 37 yards as a receiver.
Outlook
Sure, Hampton won't be easy to replace. However, fans should be intrigued to see what Gause and company can do this upcoming season.
Gause has the makings of being a special player, and with Belichick now at the helm, he certainly will look to help him become the next great running back that the program claims as its own.
The question will be what the rest of the depth chart will look like, especially with regard to who will be called upon to carry some of the workload.
Depth Chart
Projected Starter: Davion Gause
Rotational Running Backs: Caleb Hood, Charleston French, Benjamin Hall
Freshmen competing for playing time: Demon June, Jaylen McGill, Jaylon Nichols, Jo Jo Troupe