North Carolina running back George Pettaway will redshirt and not play for the remainder of the 2023 season, coach Mack Brown announced on Monday.

Pettaway has played in all 4 of UNC’s games so far this season, but mostly as a reserve. By opting to redshirt, he will not lose this season of eligibility.

Brown said he “agreed completely” with Pettaway’s decision to redshirt this season.

“He and his father had talked to coach Porter, and I agree with him completely,” Brown said. “He’s not getting a lot of significant snaps right now. So take your 4 games.”

Brown also said Pettaway could return to the lineup if UNC suffers injuries to its running back room.

“He wants to stay here. He likes it. But he also felt like, and I agreed completely, take the year to redshirt unless there’s injuries or a need for him to play more and be smart and then give him a year back,” Brown said.

Pettaway is in his 2nd season with the Tar Heels. However, he’s been behind British Brooks and Omarion Hampton on UNC’s depth chart this season. UNC also has other running backs such as Caleb Hood and Elijah Greene available to play.

With Brooks currently in his final year of eligibility, there will be an opening in North Carolina’s running back rotation in 2024. Pettaway, who is now slated to be a redshirt sophomore next year, is well-positioned to earn more playing time next season.

Pettaway was a 4-star prospect in the class of 2022. He has not attempted a carry yet this season. Last year, he rushed the ball 20 times for 93 yards and 2 touchdowns.

North Carolina will face Syracuse on Saturday.