UNC RB Elijah Hood will not play in Sun Bowl

While Stanford losing Christian McCaffrey for the Sun Bowl to focus on the NFL Draft grabbed the majority of headlines, North Carolina will also be without a tail back for the Sun Bowl.

Running back Elijah Hood announced Thursday he will skip the game due to “medical reasons,” but declined to be more specific.

Hood has battled a number of injuries this season including a concussion. Nonetheless, he was still able to rush for more than 850 yards and 8 touchdowns for the Tar Heels.

However, his numbers were a far cry from those he posted last season – a season that saw Hood run for 1,463 yards and 17 scores.

Hood released the following statement today, saying he plans to return to UNC for his senior season:

“I’m disappointed I cannot be with my football brothers for the bowl game in Texas, but it’s best for me to stay home and fully recover,” Hood said in a statement. “I look forward to returning to the field in 2017 for my senior year and having the opportunity to represent UNC along with my teammates.

“I appreciate Coach Fedora and the staff for helping me make the best decision for my future.”

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/unc/article122496504.html#storylink=cpy