CHARLOTTE
It was a night to remember, and one that had been a long time coming, for Elijah Hood, the North Carolina sophomore running back.
When given the chance Thursday during the Tar Heels' season-opening 17-13 loss against South Carolina in the Belk College Kickoff, Hood, playing in his hometown of Charlotte, made the most of it. He ran for a career-high 138 yards. He averaged 11.5 yards per carry.
At times Hood ran through hapless opposing defenders, as he was known to do as a high school standout at Charlotte Catholic. In other moments Hood eluded the defense and created separation with his speed.