North Carolina’s prolific offensive attack landed a commitment from a big-time playmaker Wednesday when four-star running back George Pettaway picked the Tar Heels live on CBS Sports HQ. Pettaway chose UNC over Florida, Oregon and Penn State to give Mack Brown and his coaching staff their 14th commitment of the 2022 class.
“UNC, it was checking all the boxes from relationships to the offense, the facilities, the education side of it, the after-football aspect,” Pettaway said. “But really, it was the relationship I built with the coaches, and everything they had to offer made my decision the way it is.”
Pettaway ranks as the No. 98 prospect and No. 7 running back in the 2022 cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite, making him the highest-rated offensive player in UNC’s class so far.
The 5-foot-11 playmaker from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Suffolk, Virginia, has the stats to back up his ranking. He ran for 14 touchdowns while averaging 13.7 yards per carry in 2020, according to MaxPreps. He’s off to an even more prolific start this season, averaging 17.4 yards per carry with 11 rushing touchdowns while also accumulating 203 yards receiving through four games.
Here is the full scouting report on Pettaway from 247Sports national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn:
Strong build with frame to carry 200-plus pounds. Electric runner with insane production. Averaged 14.2 yards per offensive touch in four spring games and 13.7 yards per carry. Scored touchdown every 3.6 touchdowns. Explosive with burst and elite change of direction. Runs with patience and purpose with flexible hips and still head. Strong cut-back runner. Sets up blocks well. Runs through arm tackles. Tough to bring down on first contact. Gets through hole and beyond second level quickly. Threat catching ball on screens and swings passes. Has to continue to develop mass and strength throughout his frame to handle physical demands of position at college level. Has to continue developing ball-catching skills and route running down the field. Immediate impact player at elite level college program. Mid-level NFL draft potential.
The Tar Heels’ 2022 class was ranked No. 13 nationally and third in the ACC prior to Pettaway’s commitment, and it should be even stronger now.
