A University of North Carolina student who suits up as the school’s Ram mascot remained in critical condition yesterday after being hit by an SUV near his New Jersey hotel a day earlier.

Fort Lee police said Jayson K. Ray was returning to the Hilton after a trip to a convenience store and was walking in the eastbound shoulder of Route 4 when he was struck Friday afternoon. The driver of the SUV was not charged.

Ray was slated to perform at the NCAA East Regional.