A few have referred to the school that sits on Chapel Hill as “Tailback U” due to their multitude of 1,000 rushers in their gridiron history. There have been 15 tailbacks that have crossed the thousand-yard mark for a total of 26 times. However, rushing yards over a single season do not completely define a back’s greatness. Let’s see which greats sit on the list of the best 5 running backs in UNC football history.

Honorable Mention - Charlie “Choo-Choo” Justice (1946-49)

Aside from his statistics and finishing second in the Heisman voting twice, the old legend is the only man in UNC’s football history to have a statue on campus. That has to count for something.

No. 5 - Giovani Bernard (2011-2012)

It is easy to imagine how high Bernard could have climbed on this list if he stayed in Chapel Hill longer. Aside from his prolific return game, Bernard also brought it on the offensive side of the ball. Bernard had 2,481 rushing yards and also accounted for 852 receiving yards during his two-year college career. The 3rd team All-American averaged an astounding 5.9 yards per carry and ranks in the top 10 of career rushing yards and total touchdowns for UNC running backs.

No. 4 - Leon Johnson (1993-1996)

Although Johnson only eclipsed the 1,000-yard single season mark once, He still managed 3,693 career-rushing yards, which ranks him 3rd all time amongst UNC backs. While under Mack Brown, Johnson made his mark in all facets of the game. He is the only man in ACC history who can claim a spot in the top five of career all-purpose yards and career touchdowns, while also landing in the top ten in career receptions and rushing yards amongst ACC players. He also accounted for a league record of 4,981 total yards.

No 3 - Natrone Means (1990-1992)

Some called him “Refried” and Chris Berman would declare him “Natrone Means Business.” Means was a rumbling, bowling-ball type back who had a nose for the end zone. The North Carolina native accounted for 34 total rushing touchdowns throughout his three-year career, which ranks him 3rd all time among UNC backs. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in both his junior and sophomore years. Means also went on to be a Pro Bowler for the San Diego Chargers.

No. 2 - Mike Voight (1973-1976)

Voight crossed the millennial mark during all three of his years as a starter. Voight’s 42 rushing touchdowns put him at number two all-time amongst UNC tailbacks, just one behind Leon Johnson. Looking at another important rushing category, and you will find Voight’s name amongst the leaders again. Voight also sits second in career rushing yards amongst Carolina running backs with 4,061 yards. Voight reached that number in essentially three seasons, with only 281 yards coming from his freshman season.

No. 1 - Amos Lawrence (1977-1980)

Lawrence remains the only UNC running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in four seasons. Those four impressive seasons account for a total of 4,391 rushing yards, which gives Lawrence the all time rushing school record. Lawrence also holds the UNC record for rushing attempts with 881 while maintaining a solid average of 5.0 yards per carry. Lawrence ranks 6th amongst all UNC players with 34 career touchdowns from scrimmage (this list does not include passing touchdowns).