North Carolina’s run defense, which surrendered a bowl record 645 rushing yards in last year’s Russell Athletic Bowl loss to Baylor, got a major break Monday in advance of this year’s postseason matchup against Stanford. Christian McCaffrey, the Cardinal’s leading ground gainer and a 2015 Heisman Trophy runnerup, announced on Twitter that he plans to skip his team’s Sun Bowl game against the Tar Heels in order concentrate on preparations for the NFL draft. “Very tough decision, but I have decided not to play in the Sun Bowl so I can begin my draft prep immediately,” McCaffrey Tweeted about his team’s game against the Tar Heels on Dec. 30 in El Paso, Tex. “(Thanks) to all my teammates for their 100 percent support. It means a lot to me.”McCaffrey rushed for 1,603 yards and 13 touchdowns this season for the 16th-ranked Cardinal. He also had 37 receptions for 310 yards and three touchdowns and is one of the nation’s top punt and kick returners. He leads all FBS players with an average of 211.5 all-purpose yards per game.His replacement in the Stanford backfield will be Bryce Love, a sophomore from Wake Forest High, who averaged 7.4 yards per carry while gaining 664 yards and scoring three touchdowns.”We understand that this was a very difficult decision. For three years Christian has not only been a great player, but a great teammate as well,” Stanford coach David Shaw said in a statement. “We wish him great success at the next level, as we continue our preparation for the Sun Bowl.”
