We have reported pretty regularly going back to the summer that the running backs UNC has offered in the class of 2017 were being told Elijah Hood wasn’t expected back for his senior season, which is why Carolina was certain to bring in three backs in this class.
That continued until recently, which according to multiple sources close to the situation, as the belief around the program now is that Hood is likely to return for his senior season.
A recent unattributed report, that also didn’t note it had sources, suggested several days ago that Hood was returning, prompting the running back to post on Twitter he hadn’t made a decision yet. That’s true, he hasn’t, but the lean is he’s going to be a Tar Heel for another season.
There are a few factors in his thinking: Hood recently got engaged to a girl who is just a sophomore; he hasn’t had a great season, in part because of injuries, and he could elevate his draft stock by returning, as the field is deep and talented, and he’s currently regarded as a third-day selection and so-so prospect.
Returning means Hood, an excellent student, will graduate on time, will have a chance to etch his name in Carolina football lore, and he could increase his draft stock, which means more cash
So, the decision has not been made, but as of now, according to our sources, it’s likely he will choose to return to UNC.
Hood has run for 858 yards (5.9 average) and 8 TDs this season. Last year, he ran for 1,463 yards (6.7 average) and 17 TDs.
That continued until recently, which according to multiple sources close to the situation, as the belief around the program now is that Hood is likely to return for his senior season.
A recent unattributed report, that also didn’t note it had sources, suggested several days ago that Hood was returning, prompting the running back to post on Twitter he hadn’t made a decision yet. That’s true, he hasn’t, but the lean is he’s going to be a Tar Heel for another season.
There are a few factors in his thinking: Hood recently got engaged to a girl who is just a sophomore; he hasn’t had a great season, in part because of injuries, and he could elevate his draft stock by returning, as the field is deep and talented, and he’s currently regarded as a third-day selection and so-so prospect.
Returning means Hood, an excellent student, will graduate on time, will have a chance to etch his name in Carolina football lore, and he could increase his draft stock, which means more cash
So, the decision has not been made, but as of now, according to our sources, it’s likely he will choose to return to UNC.
Hood has run for 858 yards (5.9 average) and 8 TDs this season. Last year, he ran for 1,463 yards (6.7 average) and 17 TDs.
