North Carolina running back British Brooks will have a new role within the program as he recovers from a season-ending injury, head coach Mack Brown announced.

Brooks, who suffered the season-ending injury on Saturday night, will serve as a student coach for the running backs and special teams in 2022. Brooks will work with the coaching staff for the entire season to help the Tar Heels.

Brooks returned to North Carolina for his 5th year of eligibility. On the field, losing Brooks will have a tremendous impact on the team. Fortunately, North Carolina will be able to understand Brooks’ knowledge of the game and learn from a college football veteran.

In 2022, Brooks was projected to be the program’s starting running back. North Carolina lost a versatile player who could play in the backfield and return kickoffs for the special teams. Brooks was the special teams captain and MVP in 2021.

As a running back, Brooks rushed for a total of 295 yards and 4 touchdowns last season. In the 2021 Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Brooks rushed for 72 yards against South Carolina. In that game, Brooks had the longest rushing touchdown of his career for 63 yards.

While Brooks’ injury is devastating for the entire program, he will be able to help the team in multiple ways as a coach.