Top Story: Former UNC football players are now competing against each other

Former Tar Heels George Pettaway and Dontae Balfour shined for JMU and Charlotte in a 30-7 49ers win.

In today’s college sports landscape, retaining all recruits is nearly impossible. When playing time runs low, transferring to play immediately becomes an attractive option—especially since student-athletes have just four years to maximize their opportunities.

George Pettaway was a dynamic recruit from Suffolk, Virginia, but he arrived at Chapel Hill alongside Omarion Hampton. With Hampton and British Brooks handling most of the carries, Pettaway decided to transfer to James Madison in search of more playing time.

Similarly, cornerback Dontae Balfour had limited playing opportunities at UNC and moved to Charlotte to pursue his career with the 49ers. The decision proved beneficial; during his year at North Carolina, he played only 60 snaps, but in his first season with Charlotte, he logged 707 snaps. He’s now a preseason first-team All-AAC selection and is on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award.

In a matchup against James Madison, Balfour made a crucial interception midway through the second quarter while Charlotte was ahead 7-3. Many would have expected the 49ers to head into halftime with the lead, but UNC Charlotte quarterback Max Brown threw two interceptions, allowing the Dukes one last chance. With under a minute remaining, Alonza Barnett connected with George Pettaway for a 33-yard touchdown pass.

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Pettaway scored a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter, further enhancing his impressive performance for the night.

Fans of the UNC football program will have the opportunity to see these two former Tar Heels play at Kenan Stadium this year. Charlotte will visit Chapel Hill this Saturday (September 7, 3:30 PM EST), and James Madison will come to town in week four (September 21, time TBD). Here’s hoping both players find success for the rest of the season… just not when facing the Heels!