All Tar Heels

UNC Football: Tar Heels Snag Veteran Running Back From Southern Cal

An experienced ball carrier is joining the UNC football program for next season.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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UNC football head coach Mack Brown, now the college game's active wins leader, appears to have landed the backfield piece he was seeking in former TCU and Southern Cal running back Darwin Barlow.

Barlow, a former three-star prep from Texas who ranked No. 30 among running backs on the 247Sports 2019 Composite and spent two years at TCU before transferring to Southern Cal, revealed his commitment to the Tar Heels on Thursday night via the post below.

The 22-year-old noted his year in Chapel Hill will be his "last ride" in college:

As a fifth-year senior for the Trojans, the 6-foot, 200-pound Darwin Barlow amassed only 81 yards and one touchdown on eight carries, marking the lowest season totals of his career. Between his three years at USC and time as a Horned Frog, including his 2019 redshirt campaign, he's tallied 993 yards and 11 scores on the ground.

His opportunity to play another year results from the NCAA not counting the COVID-impacted 2020 season against anyone's eligibility.

He's the sixth UNC football addition from this year's transfer portal, joining former Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson and his brother, tight end Jake Johnson, along with former Georgia offensive lineman Austin Blaske, North Texas offensive lineman Howard Sampson, and NC State safety Jakeen Harris.

Meanwhile, the Tar Heels, set to welcome a 27-deep 2024 recruiting class into the mix next season, have lost 14 players to the transfer route this go-round.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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