The North Carolina Tar Heels football program received some big news on Thursday just two days before their showdown with Syracuse in Chapel Hill.
The team learned that the NCAA had granted Tez Walker a waiver, making him eligible to play right away this season. While the NCAA blasted the Tar Heels in the statement, the news is still good as Walker can now play right away.
Following the news, Walker released a statement and he’s fired up to get out there and get on the field:
“I’m so excited and thankful that the NCAA has granted my eligibility to play this season. This hasn’t been easy, but I’m looking forward to putting this in the past and moving forward. I always knew UNC was a special place, but it’s proved it over and over again throughout the last few months. I’ve received so much support from the University, the athletics department, my coaches, the staff and my teammates. Most of all, I’ve felt so much love from the fans. Whether it was people trying to pick me up on social media or fans chanting for me at the games, I’ve felt supported and I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me. I can’t wait to put on that jersey, run out of the tunnel, and play in Kenan Stadium. I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time and now it will be a reality. See everyone on Saturday.”
The NCAA had previously deemed Walker ineligible and denied a waiver request, stating that he has transferred twice already.
Walker transferred to North Carolina in December of 2022 from Kent State where he had played two seasons. Before that, he enrolled at North Carolina Central but did not play due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling the season.
UNC’s offense now gets a big weapon for quarterback Drake Maye as they roll into their ACC schedule.
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