UNC DT Aaron Crawford Out for Season

UNC has lost freshman defensive tackle Aaron Crawford for the season following left foot fracture suffered in practice on Thursday. In addition to losing Crawford, redshirt freshman TE Caleb Samuels career has ended due to a heart condition.

Here is the full release from UNC:

North Carolina freshman defensive tackle Aaron Crawford will have season-ending surgery on Thursday to repair a left foot fracture he suffered in practice last week.  Surgery will be performed by Dr. Alex Creighton at UNC Hospitals.  Crawford played in two games and had six tackles.  Carolina will apply for a medical redshirt on his behalf.

In addition, redshirt freshman tight end Caleb Samuel’s career has ended due to ongoing concerns related to a heart condition.  Samuel played in all five games and scored on a two-point conversion against North Carolina A&T.

Crawford was a four star recruit coming out of high school and part of a promising group of young defensive linemen in the 2016 class. Since he only participated in two games, UNC will apply for a redshirt and save a season of eligibility. The loss of Crawford hurts the depth of a unit that has not played particular well through five games this season.