It’s been a whirlwind of a season for UNC wide receiver Devontez Walker.
The West Charlotte High product, in his first season as a Tar Heel after transferring from Kent State, was ruled ineligible by the NCAA in August. This was initially thought as a massive setback for UNC, who was counting on Walker to be their new top receiver.
Whether it was J.J. Jones, Kobe Paysour or someone else catching Drake Maye passes, the Carolina wide receiver room exceeded expectations sans Walker.
Last week, the NCAA finally reversed its decision on Walker, allowing him to immediately step in and make the UNC passing attack that much more dangerous.
Walker caught six passes for 43 yards in the Heels’ 40-7 domination of Syracuse, showing Chapel Hill he had no signs of rust from lack of game action.
The Tar Heels hoped for, but maybe didn’t see coming, what Walker did for an encore on Saturday, Oct. 14 against Miami.
Walker made an otherwise Hurricanes defense look silly, catching six Maye passes for 132 yards and a game-high three touchdowns.
Yes – three touchdowns in his second game back from ineligibility. THREE.
Walker’s first score was the only one in the opening quarter, as he leaked behind Miami safety Te’Cory Couch for a 6-0 UNC lead.
𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁. @DrakeMaye2 🤝 @DevontezWalker pic.twitter.com/lHm7pLDkn1
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 15, 2023
With UNC facing a 17-14 deficit, Walker caught his second touchdown, a 56-yarder in which he got behind the Hurricanes defense once again, to give his team the lead for good just 1:48 into the second half.
Drake Maye to Devontez Walker for the 56-yard score.
pic.twitter.com/dmqeBbYJVF— NFL Highs (@frito_paw) October 15, 2023
You though Walker was done? Think again.
For his third and final touchdown of the night, just under seven minutes into the second half, Walker caught a Maye pass at the 10 yard line and broke a tackle en route to the end zone.
Count them up! 1, 2, 3 (!) touchdowns for Devontez Walker! 🐏 pic.twitter.com/GhPZLF93qy
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) October 15, 2023
Kenan Stadium got louder with each succeeding Walker score. He was happy as a kid in a candy store postgame, with ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath immediately finding him after the final seconds ticked off the clock.
Walker’s career performance came in front of his biggest fans, as his family made the two-and-a-half hour trip up from Charlotte.
A statement UNC win against a ranked team, a three-touchdown performance and family on tap to watch.
There’s no doubt tonight has to rank among Walker’s top lifetime moments – both in and outside of football.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.