There’s a lot of hype around UNC quarterback Drake Maye ahead of the 2023 college football season, which starts next month with the Navy-Notre Dame “Week 0” matchup in Dublin, Ireland.
That hype around Maye is understandably so. The sophomore from Huntersville, N.C. finished fourth in passing yards (4,321) among all FBS schools, led the Heels in rushing yards (937) and, despite a horrendous defense, anchored Carolina to its first ACC Championship Game appearance since 2015.
This was all good enough for Maye to earn ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-ACC Honors.
Add one more honor to Maye’s impressive resume – Pro Football Focus’ Preseason All-ACC Team.
Maye is one of just two Tar Heels on the first team, joining top tight end Bryson Nesbit. who is UNC’s leading returning receiver with 507 receiving yards and four scores in 2022.
Outside of Nesbit, a majority of Carolina’s offense is unproven. The Heels lost Josh Downs and Antoine Green to the NFL Draft. Last year was the first time UNC didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher since 2018. Carolina’s leading returning wide receiver, J.J. Jones, collected just 434 yards and two touchdowns.
This season will be extra-important for Maye because he doesn’t have the Heels’ 2022 weapons at his disposal, plus he’ll be trying to prove he’s the best quarterback in the country and worthy of the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Some of the best professional quarterbacks made names for themselves, in part, without a loaded wide receiving corps (look at Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers).
Will Maye be able to do what all collegiate quarterbacks dream of – winning a CFP National Championship?
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