UNC Football: Six Tar Heels Named to Senior Bowl Watch List

The UNC Football program is well represented in the Reese’s Senior Bowl watchlist with six senior and graduate players named to the list.

The UNC football program is well represented among the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list.

Defensive linemen Desmond Evans, Myles Murphy, and Kaimon Rucker, along with standout linebacker Cedric Gray represent the UNC football program on this given watch list, while transfer wide receivers Devontez Walker and Nate McCollum were also a part of the watchlist as representatives for the offensive side of the football.

Evans appeared in just eight games last season due to suffering a season-ending injury against Pitt. Evans notched 25 total tackles, 10 solo tackles, and one tackle for loss during his shortened 2023 season. He also recorded a single-game career-high six tackles against Appalachian State in the Tar Heels’ 63-61 win.

Murphy started in 12 of the 14 games he appeared in last season for North Carolina. Overall, Murphy recorded 29 total tackles, 10 solo tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack during his junior year at North Carolina. He also recorded a blocked field goal attempt against Georgia State in the third game of the season.

Rucker also appeared in all 14 games for the Tar Heels as he recorded 37 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a team-leading 3.5 sacks during last season. Despite just starting four games last season, Rucker is currently projected to make the start against South Carolina in game one.

After a breakout 2022 season, it is no surprise that Gray is included on this watchlist. Gray had a power five leading 145 total tackles and  82 solo tackles last season. He also added 12 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

The two transfer wide receivers that North Carolina added during the offseason also made the Reese’s Senior Bowl Watchlist. Nate McCollum, a junior from Georgia Tech is entering his first season with the Tar Heels. He recorded 60 receptions, 655 receiving yards, and three touchdowns during his last season with the Yellow Jackets.

Kent State transfer Devontez Walker committed to the UNC football program this offseason adding another great weapon who was also named to the watchlist. Walker racked up 58 receptions, 921 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns with the Golden Flashes.

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