UNC Football: 2024 Positional Preview: Wide Receivers

In 2023, the wide receiver room in Chapel Hill was one of the biggest talking points in the country.

The drama between Devontez Walker and the NCAA made headlines nationwide after the Kent State transfer was denied the ability to play at the start of the season. 

Once granted eligibility in early October, Walker quickly became Drake Maye's favorite target, leading the team with seven receiving touchdowns on the season.

Despite Walker's departure, who the Baltimore Ravens drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the UNC football program will return a solid, experienced wide receiver core for the 2024 season. This core should give the eventual starting quarterback (Max Johnson or Conner Harrell) plenty of exciting weapons to throw to.

What We Know

The wide receiver group will be experienced, but health will be a major key for this group of pass catchers.

J.J. Jones is poised to be the UNC football program's leading receiver. Other than Tez Walker, who departed for the NFL, Jones was the Tar Heels most reliable receiver a season ago and that trend should continue.

Kobe Paysour missed an extended amount of time last season due to multiple injuries, while Nate McCollum also dealt with the injury bug a bit (as well as some issues with drops). Gavin Blackwell also returns, as the Tar Heels hope that all three can stay healthy and productive this go around.

To add to the veteran presence in the wide receiver room, the UNC football program also has some young wideouts who they are very high on. Jordan Shipp is a name to keep an eye on, as the freshman has the potential to be an impact player essentially right from the word go.

The Key Players

J.J. Jones

The senior from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina looks to build on a stellar junior campaign with a brand new quarterback. Jones led North Carolina in receiving yards in 2023 with 711 yards on 46 catches.

While Walker may have averaged more catches, yards, and touchdowns in his eight games as a Tar Heel, North Carolina fans should be comfortable and excited to have Jones as a first option this season.

Jones has shown flashes of greatness in his three seasons with the program, including a 117-yard performance against Pittsburgh in 2023. The senior knows how to get down the field, averaging over 15 yards per catch last season. 

As one of the older guys on the team, Jones will be a great leader in the locker room and should help fill the immense void that Walker and Maye have left in this offense.

Nate McCollum

Another senior to watch is Nate McCollum, a guy who needs to be a reliable option throughout the 2024 season.

When Walker was eligible to play, McCollum's production took a hit, as he had some issues with drops, especially in some key spots. There's no doubt that McCollum is a very talented receiver, but the Tar Heels need him to be the guy who showed flashes of greatness, especially early on during the 2023 season.

Kobe Paysour

After a foot injury in October, Paysour missed the remainder of the 2023 season after playing just five games. In the final game of his injury-shortened season against Syracuse, the sophomore showed why he could be one of the most exciting players on the 2024 UNC Football program's roster.

Paysour had a career performance, catching three passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he didn't have an opportunity to build on that strong outing, as he broke his foot in practice a week later.

In his five games in 2023, Paysour went for over 280 yards and three touchdowns and will be ready to make an impact this fall.

Outlook

This should be one of the most exciting wide receiver groups in the ACC this season.

This group's age and experience throughout the position make it so promising. Two of the three projected starting receivers are seniors, and all three projected starters return to the Tar Heels roster from last season. 

As long as sufficient chemistry can be built between them and the starting quarterback come fall, the sky's the limit for the Tar Heels passing game in 2024.

Depth Chart

Starters: J.J. Jones, Gavin Blackwell, Kobe Paysour, Nate McCollum

Backups: Paul Billups II, Chris Culliver, Jordan Shipp, Alex Taylor, Christian Hamilton