North Carolina WR Devontez Walker has wasted no time becoming a vital weapon for the Tar Heels’ offense after having his transfer waiver request finally approved by the NCAA. And in a crucial game against the Miami Hurricanes, he’s come up big.
Devontez Walker Notches Three Touchdowns Vs. Miami Hurricanes
For a time, it was unclear if Walker would even play for the Tar Heels in 2022.
The 6’3″, 200-pound receiver transferred from Kent State after catching 58 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. He transferred to North Carolina to be closer to his family and to help his grandmother watch him play, as she was unable to travel.
The NCAA surprisingly denied Walker’s transfer waiver, as he was technically a two-time transfer, having been rostered by NC Central before his stint at Kent State. This decision was met by backlash from the entire college football community, but especially from North Carolina head coach Mack Brown, who blasted the ruling.
Nevertheless, Walker remained ineligible for several weeks before the NCAA finally reversed course and ruled Walker eligible ahead of the team’s contest against Syracuse. The NCAA determined that new information had come to light, leading to the change.
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Walker suited up against Syracuse and caught six catches for 43 yards, but his showing against the Miami Hurricanes was the first time he was able to fully integrate as a high-level vertical threat.
Catching passes from Drake Maye, Walker rocketed ahead for six catches, 132 yards, and three touchdowns, single-handedly building up a three-possession deficit against a Hurricanes defense stacked with NFL talent.
Walker’s long-strider speed and explosiveness are both special traits, and his ball-tracking ability has also been on display in his most recent action. Assuming that Walker plays out the rest of the year, he could put up big numbers and establish himself as a draftable prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
Right now, however, it’s simply amazing to see Walker back on the field, making plays with his family watching. His story has been one of patience and redemption, and he’s making the most of his opportunity in Chapel Hill.