Drake Maye sets multiple school records in first career start for North Carolina
It didn’t take long for North Carolina‘s Drake Maye to start impressing on the field, setting a couple of school records in his first start. Maye became the first UNC quarterback to throw for five touchdown passes in his first career start, as well as becoming the first UNC quarterback to throw for five touchdowns in a season-opening game.
Drake Maye sets school records in debut
With only one game to go off of currently, Tar Heels fans have plenty to be excited about from their redshirt freshman already. Although Florida A&M wasn’t the toughest opponent they’ll face this season, the Rattlers played a strong game in the season opener and helped bring out some strong moments from Maye.
Maye completed 29-of-37 passes for 294 yards and five touchdowns mid-way through the fourth quarter, adding another 55 yards rushing after a huge run to begin the game offensively. After building a comfortable 56-24 lead in the fourth quarter, Maye did not return to the field for the remainder of the quarter.
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The starting quarterback job was still a flexible situation heading into the season opener on Saturday, as coach Mack Brown shared when he revealed his starting roster. Maye beat out Jacolby Criswell for the job, but according to Brown the Tar Heels will use whichever quarterback has had the better week as they go through the season.
Maye commented on his coach’s unusual decision, keeping his focus on what he’s able to control and preparing to win every time he’s at the helm. The focus paid off for Maye on Saturday in a big way.
“Just taking it play-by-play, one play at a time,” Maye said after being named Week 1 starter. “Doing what I can to win the play. But whether it’s positive or negative, just leave it in the past and go execute the next one.”