Keeping It Heel
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UNC Football: 5 players who (probably) won’t be back in 2024

By Nick Delahanty

Oct 21, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) leads his linebacker squad before a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) leads his linebacker squad before a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /
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UNC Football
Nov 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Devontez “Tez” Walker

Of the players on the list, Walker seems to be the one who wouldn’t be a surprise if he did decide to return to Chapel Hill for his final collegiate season.

However, based on how the cards stack, Walker likely benefits if he enters the NFL Draft this season.

With all eyes on Maye, Walker has the opportunity to be right there alongside his quarterback throughout the entire process. Yes, he is a highly-regarded wide receiver prospect for sure, but as teams take a closer look at Maye (such as on his pro day), they’ll also see what Walker can do first-hand, which should drive up his stock tremendously.

Based on what we’ve seen this year, along with his skill set, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Walker ends up being a Day 2 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If that’s where he’s projected to fall (again, we’re not Mel Kiper or Todd McShay!), then it would make little sense for Walker to return to the UNC football program. With uncertainty at the quarterback position, Walker should really evaluate his NFL options, as there may not be a better time for him to do so.

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