Drake Maye announces his plan to pursue the 2024 NFL Draft, capping off his successful UNC career

Within the domain of football, there exists a rare breed of quarterback prospect like UNC starter Drake Meye, one whose physical attributes and skill set perfectly align with the archetype of a successful signal-caller. As the dawn of the 2024 NFL draft draws near, the spotlight intensifies on Maye, who is poised to make his mark as a highly sought-after prospect.

With his impeccable size, speed, and arm strength, Maye has not only become a standout for the Tar Heels but has also positioned himself as a player to watch in the eyes of NFL teams. Hence, following in the footsteps of Brenden Rice, Maye is set to announce his readiness to showcase his prowess on the national stage.

Drake Maye announces his plan to pursue the 2024 NFL Draft

On Monday, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye revealed his decision to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, marking the pursuit of another football dream after his successful collegiate career with the Tar Heels. Maye, who started as a redshirt freshman and redshirt sophomore, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for North Carolina, but he now sets his sights on the NFL.

Maye, along with teammates Tez Walker, Cedric Gray, Corey Gaynor, and Myles Murphy, all declared their intention to enter the NFL, concluding their college careers. This decision signals a new chapter for these athletes as they prepare to take their talents to the professional level.

For the 21-year-old, the choice to enter the draft was the culmination of careful consideration and discussions with his inner circle, including family and coaches. In an interview with ESPN, he shared the significance of the decision, stating it was his “best decision” for his future.

“This is the best decision for me and my future. It was my lifelong dream to play quarterback at North Carolina, and I get a chance to check off another dream and play quarterback in the NFL.”

Expressing gratitude towards his college coach, Maye wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Thank you, Coach Brown, for the opportunity to live out my dream of playing quarterback in Carolina Blue.”

LSU’s Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner of this season, and USC’s Caleb Williams are anticipated to be the first two quarterbacks selected in the draft, with speculation suggesting they might be the first two overall picks. That is why Deion Sanders does not want his son Shedeus as this season’s draft pick because Coach Prime is not ready to accept Shedeur to sit in the back seat of any other college player.

USA TODAY’s mock draft projects Maye to be taken with the second pick by the New England Patriots, making him potentially the top quarterback selected. This projection could make him the Tar Heels’ first first-round pick since 2017.

Drake Maye’s successful UNC career highlights

Drake Maye’s declaration of draft follows a season where he started all 12 games, completing 63.3% of his passes for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. 

Maye’s standout performance in the 2023 season earned him second-team All-ACC honors, with statistics showing a completion rate of 63.3%, 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Notably, these numbers slightly dipped from his remarkable 2022 season, where he boasted a 66.2% passing percentage, 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

In his two seasons as the starting quarterback for UNC, Maye solidified his place among the program’s top quarterbacks. He ranks fifth in passing yards (8,018 yards), fourth in total offense (9,227 yards), fourth in passing touchdowns (63), and tied for third in total touchdowns (79).

The impact that he left extended beyond individual accolades; he led the ACC in both passing yards and total yards per game this season, averaging 300.7 passing yards and 338 total yards. His contributions in the 2022 season led UNC to the ACC Championship game, earning him ACC Player of the Year honors.

Despite the Tar Heels’ unranked finish in the 2023 regular season, Maye leaves behind a legacy at UNC, steering the team to an impressive 6-0 start and reaching as high as No. 10 in the rankings. He had previously guided UNC to the ACC championship game in 2022, with a notable 9-1 start and reaching as high as No. 13 in the rankings.

As UNC prepares to conclude the 2023 season against West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on December 27, Maye has opted out, paving the way for redshirt freshman Conner Harrell to assume the role of the starting quarterback. 

Maye’s decision to forgo the Duke’s Mayo Bowl marks the end of an era at UNC as the quarterback prepares to enter the NFL Draft, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances and contributions to Tar Heel football.