Mack Brown reveals message Elijah Green's depth chart rise sends to rest of team

It’s not often you see a player who was fifth on the team’s depth chart rise to the level that he’s able to make a serious impact in a game. But that’s exactly how things have shaken out for North Carolina‘s Elijah Green, depth chart be darned.

Green started the season behind the likes of Caleb Hood, Omarion Hampton, DJ Jones and George Pettaway but was the only one of the five to log a carry in Saturday’s 31-28 win over Virginia.

His story of resilience has given coach Mack Brown the perfect example to point to.

“The biggest thing is the message that he sends to all of those that think they’re not playing enough, whether it’s on our team or somebody else,” Brown said. “What he did, instead of in a modern day of transfer portal is talked about daily, breaks his thumb, fifth running back, working on the scout team with a cast, running as hard as he can to make our defense get better.

“Going to the special teams coaches to find a place to play. A running back that’s never played defense tackling as a gunner. Working after practice every day on his pass protection and catching the ball, even with a broken thumb. He’s earned his way into a spot and I’m so proud of him.”

Saturday against Virginia?

Green logged 22 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, pacing the ground game alongside quarterback Drake Maye. He also added a 22-yard catch for a touchdown, adding pass-catching to his arsenal recently despite that broken thumb.

Elijah Green’s depth chart rise an inspiration

At 8-1 on the season and with a terrific shot at the ACC title this year, North Carolina is looking to close strong. Given Elijah Green’s depth chart ascension, he figures to be a big part of that.

What he offers Brown as an example of perseverance is arguably worth much more.

“I do think because of the way he responded and the success that he’s having it’s helped our team, because the rest of them are saying, ‘I got it, if I’ll just keep working an opportunity comes,'” Brown said. “Then when it does you’ve got to be ready because it may not come twice.”

On the season, Green has racked up 41 carries for 202 yards and four touchdowns. He’s also recorded five catches for 44 yards and a touchdown. All of those scoring plays — and all the receiving production — have come in the last month.

“He is a great student. Does everything perfect every day,” Brown said. “But he has been one person on our team that has helped a lot of the other guys with their place and getting better and understanding that we don’t care who plays, we just want to win.”