ROCKINGHAM — Four simple words summed up Kellan Hood’s verbal commitment to play football at the University of North Carolina.
“It was only right,” the Richmond Senior High School quarterback tweeted on Friday when he added he’d accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Tar Heels.
Hood’s decision to play at Carolina continues a family tradition, started by his dad Errol Hood in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Caleb Hood, his older brother and former Raider standout, is currently a freshman running back.
All three will have played under the direction of head coach Mack Brown. Hood said he received the offer from UNC prior to the start of his senior season this past fall.
“My dad played for Coach Brown and my brother plays there now, so it was the best fit for me,” Hood explained. “I’m excited and ready to get there and make the most of my opportunity.”
Hood also received an offer from Fayetteville State University. Other schools that showed interest included Coastal Carolina, Columbia, Elon, Louisville and Wake Forest.
Recruited by the Tar Heels as a wide receiver, Hood (5-11, 185 pounds) has spent the past two seasons under center for the Raiders. He made the switch from wide receiver to help the team fill the void left at the quarterback position.
Perhaps one of the more overlooked prospects in his graduating class, Hood put his name in the headlines during his senior season. He captained the Raiders to a 10-2 record, their fourth straight Sandhills Athletic Conference title and was named the SAC’s “Offensive Player of the Year.”
Known for his efforts as a dual-threat quarterback, Hood went 110-177 through the air (2nd most completions in the SAC) for 1,548 total passing yards and 129 yards per game (both 3rd SAC).
His 62.1 completion percentage was second in the conference, Hood was tied for second with 18 passing scores and was first in the SAC in passer rating (110.1).
Running the option, Hood collected 15 rushing scores and 7.0 yards per carry, both second-best in the SAC. His 1,024 rushing yards on 146 carries for 85.3 yards per game were also the third-highest marks this season.
“By playing multiple positions (at Richmond), I think it showed that I can play more than one position and that I’m an athlete,” Hood explained. “It shows I was willing to help my team and that I wasn’t stuck on just one position.
“Getting a preferred walk-on at Carolina shows that what people think of me as a player doesn’t affect me,” he added. “I just blocked out the people who didn’t believe in me and used that as motivation to continue to get better.”
Hood noted that what he brings to the Tar Heels is his dedicated work ethic, a high football IQ and leadership qualities.
UNC finished the 2021 regular season with a 6-6 record and went 3-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Coastal Division. Bowl eligible, the Tar Heels played against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, but lost 38-21.
Knowing that he’ll have to earn his spot on the field as a preferred walk-on, Hood said he’s most looking forward to spending time with Caleb Hood and his future teammates, as well as “actually being a Tar Heel.”
He added that with the support of a lot of friends and family members, he wants to “prove that I belong.”
Continuing the Family Tradition
When Hood joins the Tar Heels, he’ll be fulfilling a “lifelong dream” of dressing out in Carolina Blue on game days. No stranger to the program, Hood remembers visiting the school, attending games and being on the field at Kenan Memorial Stadium as a kid.
Errol Hood was a three-year starting cornerback for UNC from 1998-2001. While there, he led the team in interceptions during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, collecting seven total.
The older Hood also helped secure the Tar Heels’ 16-10 win over Auburn University in the 2001 Peach Bowl, breaking up a pass and snagging his final collegiate interception.
Caleb Hood announced his commitment to UNC in Jan. 2020, and signed his letter of commitment almost a year later.
This past season as a true freshman, Caleb played in seven games and rushed for 97 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries.
“I think it’s really dope that all three of us get to play for Mack Brown, and it was an opportunity that I couldn’t miss out on,” Kellan said.
“Caleb was extremely excited, especially for us to be back on the same team together. My dad is also excited because I’m going to his alma mater.”
Caleb Hood took to Twitter and said, “Words can’t describe how glad I am to be back on the same team you brother! Lets get this work.”
When Hood reports to Chapel Hill later this year to begin workouts with the team, he plans on studying business.
