Title: North Carolina’s Drake Maye Shines, but Frustration Mounts Over NCAA’s Ruling on Devontez Walker
Subtitle: Heisman Trophy contender leads UNC Tar Heels to a 31-17 victory over South Carolina, but controversy surrounds ineligible transfer wide receiver
By David Hale, ESPN Staff Writer
September 3, 2023
Charlotte, NC – In a thrilling victory over South Carolina, the North Carolina Tar Heels showcased their offensive prowess with Heisman Trophy contender Drake Maye leading the charge. Despite the team’s success on the field, frustration and disappointment reverberated among the Tar Heels due to an NCAA ruling that prevented transfer wide receiver Devontez Walker from playing.
Maye, who threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns, expressed his dissatisfaction with the NCAA’s decision regarding his teammate. After the game, he donned Walker’s jersey with the nameplate spun backward during a media session, conveying his solidarity with the sidelined receiver. Maye criticized the ruling, claiming it hindered a player from achieving their lifelong dream for the sake of making a statement.
Walker, a two-time transfer who grew up in Charlotte, was denied a waiver by the NCAA this summer. His appeal was subsequently denied two days prior to the game against South Carolina. The decision comes as a result of a new rule passed in January that limits multiple transfers by the same player before graduation. However, in Walker’s case, his transfers occurred before the new rule was enacted: the first from North Carolina Central in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second from Kent State to UNC.
The NCAA’s ruling has sparked controversy and dissatisfaction within the North Carolina football community. Head coach Mack Brown issued a scathing statement censuring the decision and expressing concern for Walker’s mental well-being. Brown revealed that Walker had endured a difficult week, struggling during practice due to the immense pressure he felt.
Despite the setback, Walker received overwhelming support from his team and fans. Country music star and avid North Carolina fan Eric Church even donned Walker’s jersey on the sideline during the game. In a touching moment, Church presented Walker with a game ball in the locker room after the Tar Heels’ victory.
Throughout the game, Walker made a point of rallying his teammates on the sideline, demonstrating his leadership and resilience. Brown commended Walker for encouraging fellow wide receiver Gavin Blackwell, who encountered challenges with dropped passes during the game.
Looking forward, a second committee of Division I school representatives will convene later this week to determine Walker’s eligibility for the 2023 season. Maye expressed hope that the committee would “make the right decision” for his teammate.
The North Carolina Tar Heels’ victory over South Carolina highlighted their offensive capabilities, but it also cast a spotlight on the NCAA’s rulings and their potential impact on players’ dreams. As the controversy deepens, fans and players alike eagerly await the committee’s ruling on Walker’s future in collegiate football.