CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina linebacker Mark Paschal won't play college football again because of a spine injury he sustained last week against North Carolina State.

School officials said Tuesday that Paschal suffered a cervical spine.

Paschal had an MRI on Sunday. After reviewing the results, the school's doctors recommended that he quit playing football because of the risk of further injury. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Coach Butch Davis called Paschal a great leader.

Paschal — a second-generation Tar Heel whose father played fullback in the 1970s — will miss the first game of his career Saturday when North Carolina visits rival Duke. He has 103 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery.