Caleb Hood suffers injury, out for rest of game against Pitt

North Carolina starting running back Caleb Hood exited the Pittsburgh game early in the first half after injuring what appeared to be a left shoulder injury after landing awkwardly on it. Late in the first quarter, the ACC Network’s sideline reporter, Kelsey Riggs, relayed the news that the Tar Heel running back was officially ruled out of the rest of Saturday’s game. He was heading to the locker room to get the injury examined by North Carolina’s medical staff. Elijah Green replaced Hood as the ‘Heels primary tailback against Pitt. Freshman Omarion Hampton has also received some snaps in the backfield.

This season, Hood has rushed 42 times for 253 yards (averaging 6 yards per carry). In the 2021 recruiting cycle, he was rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 45 running back in America, according to the On3 Consensus Rankings.

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North Carolina linebacker Noah Taylor also suffered an injury in Saturday night’s game. He was seen grabbing his knee after rushing the passer, but the injury appeared to be non-contact. He was seen walking to the locker room to be examined by trainers. The talented linebacker has officially been ruled out for the rest of the Pitt game, according to the ACC Network sideline reporter. Taylor has been one of the Tar Heels’ best defenders during the 2022 season, so his loss is massive.

ACC Network sideline reporter Kelsey Riggs also noted that North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans did not have his helmet on in the second half. He was injured during the first quarter and was questionable to go back in the game.

In high school, Hood totaled 6,305 passing yards with 59 touchdowns along with 1,899 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns during his three seasons. He earned first-team All-Observer honors as an athlete and league Offensive Player of the Year honors as a junior. During his junior year, he led Richmond (Rockingham, NC) to a 13-1 record, a conference title, and third round of the playoffs.