North Carolina LB Paschal out for season

Nov 25, 2008 - 8:58 PM CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- North Carolina linebacker Mark Paschal has a career-ending spinal injury, the school announced Tuesday.

The Tar Heels' leading tackler, Paschal sustained a cervical spine injury in Saturday's 41-10 loss to North Carolina State.

After Paschal underwent an MRI exam on Sunday, the school's medical staff recommended that the senior captain end his playing career to avoid risking further injury.

However, Paschal is expected to make a full recovery with no long-term effects.

"Our first concern is the health of Mark Paschal," Tar Heels head coach Butch Davis said. "Our sports medicine staff has assured him and his parents that he will make a complete recovery."

Paschal had not missed a game in his entire collegiate career, playing in all of the Tar Heels' 47 games over the past three-plus seasons.

Paschal recorded a team-leading 103 tackles, including two sacks, and two interceptions this season for the Tar Heels (7-4), who have been ravaged by injuries.

"Mark has had a terrific senior season, has been a great leader for us, and is on track to graduate in May," Davis said. "I appreciate how hard he has worked over the last two years to re-energize our program.

"Mark will continue to be an important part of our team for the remainder of the season."

North Carolina, which concludes its regular season Saturday against Duke, already has lost play-making wide receiver Brandon Tate and tight end Zack Pianalto to season-ending injuries.

The Tar Heels also played seven games without starting quarterback T.J. Yates, who suffered a broken ankle in the third game of the season and missed seven contests.