The North Carolina Tar Heels received the bad news last week that wide receiver Devontez Walker’s immediate eligibility was not granted by the NCAA.
As the Tar Heels await the appeal process, one in which offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey feels hopeful, head coach Mack Brown is banking on NCAA president Charlie Baker to reinstate him. Brown met the media on Tuesday to answer questions about his team and where things stand in training camp. Among the topics was Walker, where Brown had this to say about the situation and Baker:
“I’m banking on Charlie Baker,” Brown said via Inside Carolina. “If we are changing, it’s time to change. And I’m banking on him stepping up and changing because it’s what’s best for this young man.
“It’s not about us. He is a good player. But if I say that I’m going to take care of every player and treat them like I’d want my son to be treated, that’s what I’m trying to do in this situation. Tez needs to be able to play. That’s the only fair thing for him, and people need to stand up for it because that’s an area we need to get changed. We went from everybody being eligible to now nobody’s eligible, and neither one of them are fair. Neither one of them are right. So let’s do what’s right. For the NCAA, let’s don’t say we care about student welfare, and let’s don’t say that we care about mental health unless we do. And here’s a great opportunity to show that we do.”
Brown’s comments echo what the rest of the program is likely thinking in terms of the Walker situation. If UNC can get him back for the start of the season, it would be huge for the offense.
Walker was projected to be the Tar Heels’ top target for quarterback Drake Maye, so losing that would be impactful.
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