Running Back Elijah Hood

The Oakland Raiders had one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL last season, and it only got better with the recent addition of running back Marshawn Lynch. The team added to its running back corps once again in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, selecting University of North Carolina running back Elijah Hood.

Here are five things you should know:

Hood hails from the East Coast.

He was born and raised in Charlotte, where he attended Charlotte Catholic High School. Following high school he originally committed to the University of Notre Dame, but changed his mind and stayed close to home, attending the University of North Carolina.

Hood was a standout-talent in high school.

Eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards in a season is a pretty impressive accomplishment, but to hit the 3,000-yard mark, and do it in back-to-back seasons?

That's special.

In his junior and senior seasons of high school, Hood accomplished this absurd feat, and separated himself from the rest of the competition. He also managed to graduate high school early in order to participate in UNC's spring practice.

**He's a power back.

**

At 5'11", 232 pounds, Hood is a force to be reckoned with, especially when he has a full head of steam. His draft profile highlights his strength and states he has a well-muscled build, which allows him to accelerate through contact.

The 21-year old is overjoyed to join the Silver and Black.

Following the news he had been drafted, Hood hopped on a conference call with members of the local media and was overwhelmed with emotion.

"I was getting all kinds of butterflies and everything," said Hood. "I finally got that call. I'm too blessed. I feel like the most blessed individual in the world right now."

He was a solid contributor at UNC.

In his three years with the squad, Hood rushed for a total of 2,580 yards, notched 29 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 6.0 yards per carry. He was also named to the All-ACC Academic Team.