North Carolina running back Michael Carter and wide receiver Dyami Brown shifted from Orange Bowl preparations to training for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Carter announced Monday via social media that he would not play in the Tar Heels’ bowl game against No. 5 Texas A&M on Jan. 2.

“Thankful would be an understatement,” the senior wrote on Twitter. “I give God the praise because without him, I’m nothing. I want to thank my parents for laying down the foundation for success. I want to thank my brothers for all their love and honesty. I want to thank the entire 850 for embracing me as their own and for their unwavering support. I want to thank Coach (Larry) Fedora for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and his continued support, and to Mack Brown for trusting me to help lead this program and make our team feel comfortable in a time where we needed it most.

“I want to thank Coach (Robert) Gillespie for being there for me and pushing me to where I am now. I’m a better player and man because of him. Thank you to all the coaches who have pushed me and believed in me. I also want to thank all my teammates, I love y’all 4L. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank Tar Heel Nation. It’s been an honor to represent UNC, and I can confidently say I gave you all I had.”

Carter, a Florida native, rushed for 3,404 yards in four seasons in Chapel Hill, including 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns, plus 25 receptions and two TDs in 2020.

Brown, a junior, led the ACC with 1,099 receiving yards in 2020 and has 21 career touchdowns.

“These past three years went by fast but the people that I’ve met and the friends that I’ve made within the three years is just amazing,” Brown wrote. “So many memories and stories to tell but I would like to thank y’all as well because you are family to me. To the fans, I love y’all because even without knowing me, you have supported me and did not stop supporting me. To the start of a dream, with that being said … I’ve decided to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.”

–Field Level Media