2024 NFL Draft: Drake Maye, North Carolina star QB and ACC passing leader, declares after three seasons

North Carolina star quarterback Drake Maye announced Monday that he has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft after three seasons with the Tar Heels, including two as the team’s starter. Maye led UNC to a 17-9 record, earning ACC Player of the Year honors in 2022 and leading the ACC in yards passing again this season.

“Tar Heel Nation, the best fans out there. You have made my time at UNC truly special, thank y’all. I have decided to forego the bowl game and declare for the NFL Draft. Forever and always, Go Heels!” he wrote in an announcement on social media.

Maye redshirted behind another quarterback star, Sam Howell, during his freshman season but immediately made his mark once given the reins to begin the 2022 campaign. Over North Carolina’s first two games last season, he totaled 10 touchdowns and quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

He guided the Tar Heels to a 9-1 start and their second-ever ACC Championship Game in 2022. Though UNC faded with four straight losses to end the season, that did nothing to dampen the NFL Draft buzz around Maye entering 2023.

Maye was less efficient this season following the departure of top wide receiver Josh Downs, but he still passed for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions in UNC’s 12 regular-season games. He also rushed for 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons while totaling 1,209 yards rushing.

Maye’s NFL Draft stock

Maye is ranked No. 5 overall in CBS Sports’ 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings and is considered the No. 2 quarterback behind USC’s Caleb Williams. But there is potential for him to be selected even higher. In a recent mock draft from NFL Draft analyst Chris Trapasso, Maye went No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears. Maye was mocked No. 2…


Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2024-nfl-draft-drake-maye-north-carolina-star-qb-and-acc-passing-leader-declares-after-three-seasons/

Author : David Cobb

Publish date : 2023-12-11 23:21:53

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