Did we just witness the breakout party for the next great UNC football running back?

Heading into the UNC football program's home opener, there were definitely some questions surrounding the team's running back depth.

Sure, Omarion Hampton was healthy at the start of the game, but Darwin Barlow was inactive due to injury. Caleb Hood, who missed the season opener, was dressed, but his past injury concerns left a huge question mark as to what the depth would look like behind Hampton.

The Tar Heels were forced to test their running back depth when Hampton went down with an injury. This provided true freshman Davion Gause with the chance to earn some carries, an opportunity that he certainly didn't let slip away.

In his first game in front of the home crowd at Kenan Stadium, Gause recorded his first 100-yard performance. He ended the afternoon with 16 carries for 105 yards and his first collegiate touchdown, a performance that included an elite-level hurdle that is simply pictute perfect.

We already know that there will be those people who respond to this and say, "well, look at the UNC football program's opponent." Yes, Charlotte isn't the toughest game on the 2024 schedule to say the least, but you can't discredit what Gause was able to do.

First off, it allowed the Tar Heels to rest Hampton, who was available to return if needed, for the remainder of the game. Given the workload Hampton is set to take on, plus the injury he suffered on Saturday afternoon, having someone capable of filling the void was a huge aspect that shouldn't go unnoticed.

Additionally, it gives you a little more confidence in the Tar Heels' running back depth. With this performance, Gause might simply work his way up the depth chart, especially with the uncertainty of how long Barlow will be sidelined.

Just two games into his college career, did we just witness the breakout game for Davion Gause?

Without a doubt, the UNC football program hopes that he's destined to be the next star running back to wear the Carolina Blue.