Tar Heels’ WR earns praise from ESPN

The 2023 college football season will be a big one for Mack Brown and the North Carolina Tar Heels. After getting out to a 9-1 start last season, UNC lost four-straight including the bowl game to finish 9-5.

This certainly feels like a potential turning point for the program, especially with the return of Drake Maye for one more year at quarterback. Can UNC get off to a hot start and actually finish?

While we still have months to go before the start of the year, ESPN took an early look at the best players in the country for next season. And after Maye was included as a quarterback, the topic of best non-quarterback players came up.

And UNC wide receiver Devontez Walker was named.

Here is what ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren answered for his non-QB player to watch:

VanHaaren: Wide receiver Devontez Walker just transferred from Kent State to North Carolina to pair up with Drake Maye. Walker led Kent State in receiving yards and touchdowns last season with 921 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 15.88 yards per catch. He’s a 6-3, 192-pound receiver originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. He’s going to be a big option this season for the Tar Heels and should put up big numbers with Maye throwing to him. I would also add Georgia State transfer Jamari Thrash to this list, who will now play for Jeff Brohm at Louisville. Thrash had 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns this past season and is joining an explosive Brohm offense.

Walker transferred to North Carolina from Kent State, adding a much-needed weapon to the Tar Heels’ offense. With Josh Downs and Antoine Green not returning, getting Maye a receiver to fill the void was crucial.

Now it’s just up to Walker to produce.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.