Mack Brown addresses if Tez Walker will go through Senior Day
North Carolina is holding Senior Day on Saturday against Duke and several talented playmakers could take part in the festivities. One player who could be honored is star receiver Tez Walker.
The Kent State transfer hasn’t announced if he will enter the NFL draft yet, but Walker is in his fifth season with a college program, even if he is only technically a junior.
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown was asked this week if Tez Walker will go through Senior Day.
“That’s a good point. I hadn’t thought about that, but we should [think about it]. You know, he just hasn’t been here as long, but that’s a good point,” Brown said. “It’s kind of confusing now, because if you’re graduating, are you leaving, are you coming back the next year?”
Tez Walker has 28 catches for 438 yards and six touchdowns in five games this season.
He was not eligible to play at the beginning of the year, before being cleared by the NCAA and immediately becoming UNC’s top receiver.
Brown joked that there are a lot of players who could be honored this weekend, and Walker is a part of that group.
“We could have 54 out there for Senior Day and be late to the game. Start at 8:30 in the morning,” he said.
Mack Brown on if Duke is Drake Maye’s final home game: ‘I think it’s absolute’
One player who seems certain to be playing their final home game this weekend is North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
The sophomore is eligible for the draft and is expected to be a top 10 pick.
Mack Brown was asked this week if he expects Saturday’s game against Duke to be Maye’s final home game for the Tar Heels and if he expects him to take part in Senior Day.
“I love Drake. I love him like a son,” said Brown. “I’ve got such respect and appreciation for that young guy. So, we will ask him if he wants to. It’s not my place to tell him to. He’s very emotional, and he just wants to win. You’ve all seen him; he’s so humble that he doesn’t want attention brought to himself. I think it would be cool for him to walk out there for everybody to say thank you.”
As Brown continued, the North Carolina head coach revealed whether or not he believes Maye will return to the program for one last season. He also shared what advice he would give Maye on the topic and revealed what he said to one of his former star quarterbacks, who found themselves in a similar position some years ago.
“I think it’s absolute. It would be mine, very honestly. He’s gonna be a first-round choice. He’s gonna make a lot of money. Is it best for me if he stays? Absolutely. But that’s not who we are. I mean, you can’t sit here and say, ‘I want him to be treated like my son.’ If my son came in and asked me, I would say go. Vince Young came in and asked me, ‘I’m going to make $20 million if I leave. What do you think?’ I said that ‘I would be out of here, man. Go,’” said Brown.