Raleigh, N.C. — North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, widely expected to be a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has played his last snap for the Tar Heels.

On Monday, Maye stated that he will not participate in the Dec. 27 Duke’s Mayo Bowl against West Virginia and will instead focus on preparing for his professional career. According to projections, Maye is expected to be one of the top two quarterbacks chosen in the upcoming NFL Draft, alongside Southern Cal’s Caleb Williams.

In 2023, Maye, who was named the ACC Player of the Year in 2022, ended the season with a total of 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 149. Throughout his time at UNC, Maye threw for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdowns. He also added 1,209 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns to his record. In 2022, Maye placed 10th in the voting for the Heisman Trophy.

Maye initially pledged to attend the University of Alabama, but ultimately decided to join the University of North Carolina as a high school prospect from Charlotte. Despite receiving tempting offers to transfer following his successful 2022 season, he opted to stay with the Tar Heels.

Although Maye consistently performed well, UNC had a record of 17-9 when he was the starting player. In the 2022 season, the Tar Heels lost their last four games and four out of their last six games in 2023. Maye became a part of the team in 2021.

Maye expressed gratitude towards the Tar Heel fans and coach Mack Brown for allowing him to fulfill his dream of being a quarterback in the iconic Carolina Blue. His father also played quarterback for UNC in the 1980s and his brother Luke was a noted player on the UNC basketball team.

Maye expressed gratitude for the Tar Heel Nation, noting them as the finest supporters who have made his experience at UNC truly remarkable.

Four players from the University of North Carolina have been selected as the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, but their outcomes in the league have been different. In 2017, quarterback Mitch Trubisky was chosen as the second pick. In 2002, defensive end Julius Peppers was drafted second, and in 1981, linebacker Lawrence Taylor also went second. Running back Ken Willard was the No. 2 pick in the 1965 NFL Draft.

Taylor is recognized as one of the top athletes in the history of the NFL, while Peppers has been nominated for the Hall of Fame. Willard has been selected for four Pro Bowls and has a total of 62 touchdowns. Trubisky has participated in 68 games throughout his time with the Bears, Bills, and Steelers.

Maye is not the only one who will not be participating in the bowl game. Cedric Gray, a linebacker from the All-ACC team, along with offensive lineman Corey Gaynor and wide receiver Tez Walker, will also be forgoing the game as they prepare for the NFL.

“We express our gratitude to these young individuals for their valuable contributions to Carolina football throughout their tenure with the team,” stated Brown. “It has been a joy to witness their development and success, both on and off the field. We extend our best wishes to them and eagerly anticipate seeing them represent UNC as they embark on the next stages of their professional journeys.”

Changes to University of North Carolina’s team lineup

Myles Murphy, a defensive lineman, will join the NFL after the bowl game. Meanwhile, quarterback Jefferson Boaz and defensive back D.J. Jones will also be leaving the program, but will still participate in the bowl game.

A number of players from the Tar Heels team will not be able to participate in the bowl game due to various injuries. Among them are tight ends John Copenhaver (lower body) and All-ACC pick Bryson Nesbit (lower body), defensive backs Will Hardy (upper body) and Alijah Huzzie (lower body), and offensive lineman Zach Rice (lower body).

Harrell will receive playing time in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl, taking place on December 27th in Charlotte at 5:30 p.m. and broadcasted on ESPN, will feature North Carolina (8-4) facing off against West Virginia. Leading the Tar Heels’ offense will be Conner Harrell, who is anticipated to continue competing for the starting quarterback spot in 2024 alongside Max Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M.

Source: wralsportsfan.com