Former UNC football running back George Pettaway commits to James Madison

George Pettaway had a very disappointing season in 2023. The former No. 1 running back in the 2022 class played in just one game and recorded one catch for zero yards.

Like other running backs with the UNC football program, Pettaway saw his snaps decrease significantly with the emergence of Omarion Hampton, a Doak Walker Award Finalist. The lack of playing time forced the sophomore running back to enter the transfer portal on December 3.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound back from Suffolk, Virginia was in the portal for about a month before announcing his commitment to the James Madison football program. The Dukes made the transition from the FCS to the FBS prior to the 2022 season and went 11-2 in their second season in the Sun Belt conference.

The James Madison football program participated in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on December 23 against Air Force. The Dukes lost 31-21 to the Falcons making their record 11-2 overall on the season. They weren't allowed to compete in the Sun Belt championship game because they weren't eligible. After fighting with the NCAA, they were granted bowl eligibility. Pettaway is joining a running back by committee offense, as James Madison's leading rusher only rushed for 637 yards.

Their leading rusher was sophomore Kaelon Black, who Pettaway will have to battle for the starting job in 2024. Ty Son Lawton was the second leading rusher on the team with 568 yards and he has no eligibility remaining. It's clear the Pettaway will get plenty more playing time with James Madison, considering Omarion Hampton is returning to the UNC football program and 2024.

Tar Heel fans will get to see Pettaway this season with his new team, as the UNC football program is scheduled to host James Madison this upcoming fall.

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