UNC freshman Bernard out for the season

North Carolina's depth has taken a hit after all. UNC freshman running back Giovani Bernard tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Sunday afternoon and is out for the season, the school announced Monday morning.

Bernard was a key recruit for UNC. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound tailback was ranked the No. 2 tailback in Florida by the Orlando Sun-Sentinel and the No. 12 running back in the nation by Rivals.com. He is from Davie, Fla., and played at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Carolina still has plenty of depth at tailback this year, with Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston, but Bernard was considered an elite talent and one of the Tar Heels' top recruits.