Drake Maye addresses decision on future at UNC, bowl game

The NFL is calling Drake Maye’s name. However, it isn’t the only noise the North Carolina quarterback is hearing. After UNC’s stunning 39-20 loss to NC State on Saturday, Maye addressed his future with the program.

“I’m not really sure,” Maye said. “I got to sit down with my family. Make some decisions. At the end of the day, being a Tar Heel, playing in Carolina blue, has meant the world to me. Been a dream come true. We didn’t finish out the right way, but may have another chance to do that.”

If Saturday was the final time Maye suits up for North Carolina, he didn’t end his prestigious career on a high note. In the loss, Maye completed 22-of-his-38 (57.9%) pass attempts for 254 yards and two touchdowns while also tossing two interceptions.

In comparison, NC State’s Brennan Armstrong tallied 334 passing yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception in the outing. Despite North Carolina’s sluggish finish to the regular season, the Tar Heels will have a chance at redemption.

Finishing with an 8-4 record, UNC is comfortably bowl eligible. Nonetheless, Maye is not certain he will play in the bowl game.

“I haven’t made that decision yet. A lot of things weigh into it,” Maye said. “But, obviously, I’d love to get one more chance out here with these guys. With [Cedric Gray] standing here in the back, I just told him, ‘I’ll go to war with him no matter what, man.'”

Drake Maye’s massive decision

Millions are on the line for Maye. ESPN’s Mel Kiper listed the redshirt sophomore QB as the No. 3 prospect on his NFL Draft Big Board, trailing only Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and USC QB Caleb Williams.

“[Maye] looks the part of a big-time NFL signal-caller,” Kiper wrote. “He can make every throw with ease. He’s accurate on the move and can pick up first downs with his legs. Maye varies his pass speeds really well — he knows when to take a little off to make it easier for his receivers. He has outstanding touch on vertical throws.”

If Maye never plays another down for UNC, he will finish his career with 8,018 passing yards and 63 touchdowns while only throwing 16 interceptions. Although the NFL is undoubtedly in Maye’s future, the North Carolina native only had one issue on his mind on Saturday night.

“It’s just a bummer the way it ended,” Maye said following the loss.