UNC Football: 3 players who must step up during the 2024 season

Nate McCollum was one of two wide receiver transfers that the UNC football program brought in before the 2023 season, as he, along with Devontez 'Tez' Walker provided some additional weapons for Drake Maye to work with.

While you might be saying, "McCollum was fourth on the team in receptions, why is he on this list?"

Well, there's two things the Tar Heels need from McCollum.

First, they need him to stay healthy. When he was healthy, McCollum showed flashes of dominance as he put together some big-time performances while the team awaited Walker's eligibilty to be granted.

However, as the season went on, you could tell that injuries were hampering McCollum. After recording two 100+ yard receiving games over the first four weeks of the season, his highest total yards after was 41, which didn't come until the bowl game. Some costly dropped passes were also an issue, as the usually sure-handed receiver struggled in that area over the season's final few weeks.

With Walker off to the NFL, the Tar Heels need McCollum to once again be that steady target for whoever the team's quarterback ends up being, and based on some of his past successes, we know he can definitely be that guy once again in his final season in Chapel Hill.