Chapel Hill, NC -- (Sports Network) - North Carolina linebacker Mark Paschal will discontinue playing football after suffering a cervical spine injury in the Tar Heels' 41-10 loss to N.C. State this past Saturday.

Paschal, a senior and team captain, is expected to make a full recovery. But based on a medical exam and MRI test, the schools' sports medicine staff recommended he no longer play football because of the risk of further injury.

"Our first concern is the health of Mark Paschal," said UNC head coach Butch Davis. "Our sports medicine staff has assured him and his parents that he will make a complete recovery. Mark has had a terrific senior season, has been a great leader for us, and is on track to graduate in May. 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."

Paschal has not missed a game in his career, playing in 47 straight contests. He leads the 7-4 Tar Heels with 103 tackles, and has 6 1/2 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions this season.