Tez Walker’s college career has been one of the most discussed in 2023. After eligibility rules prevented the North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver from playing early, he was still able to create an on-field connection with his quarterback that he has been discussing with the media.
NCAA politics played their part in hampering Walker’s development after he transferred to Chapel Hill. However, QB Drake Maye was on hand to guide the WR through the process, and Walker has spoken about their relationship.
Tez Walker Praises Drake Maye
Despite only playing in eight games due to eligibility issues, Walker established a keen connection with his quarterback in 2023.
Transferring to North Carolina after spending two seasons at Kent State, the NCAA blocked Walker from playing for 12 months due to the multiple-time transfer rule. However, this was overturned later in the season.
At Kent State, Walker had 63 receptions for 1,045 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns and was able to transition that explosive downfield production to the Tar Heels.
In 2023, Walker had 41 receptions for 699 receiving yards and seven touchdowns and declared for the 2024 NFL Draft at the end of the season.
Walker is viewed as a potential Day 2 prospect in the class and has been active during the draft cycle. Firstly, the North Carolina pass catcher participated in the 2024 Senior Bowl and is currently at the Combine.
Speaking to the media in Indianapolis, Walker spoke about his relationship with Maye and why the pair were able to establish a keen onfield connection.
“It’s great. He’s one of the reasons I went,” Walker said. “I just, you know, he rarely makes a mistake, like with the line of scrimmage, he’ll check something there. So it is a great experience.”
For Walker, there is little doubt that Maye will be a longtime NFL player, and he believes that whoever drafts the QB will not only be selecting a quality player but an outstanding leader and teammate.
“He made me better,” Walker said at the podium at the NFL Combine. “You know, just being around seeing how much of a natural leader he is, seeing how he carries himself with younger guys in his room and carrying that to the receiver room really helped me.
“Whoever gets a chance to play with him wherever he goes to like, you know, they’re gonna be blessed.”
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Maye is expected to be a top-three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and it is clear from Walker’s words that his qualities as a person are just as important as his talent as a player.
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