UNC Startled as QB Drake Maye’s Surprise Decision Echoes Caleb Williams’ Choice

Star quarterback Drake Maye has announced his NFL draft. He will not participate in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl for the Tar Heels against West Virginia. Maye conveyed his decision through a social media post on Monday, bringing an end to his notable UNC career. His two years as the starter were marked by prolific numbers, establishing him as one of the most sought-after potential prospects for the NFL.

A similar decision was made by USC’s QB Caleb Williams. Maye, alongside USC’s Caleb Williams, is anticipated to be among the top picks and possibly the first two quarterbacks selected in the draft. Though neither player was in contention for the Heisman this year, they’ve stacked some amazing stats during their college career.

Drake Maye forgoes his final two years in college for NFL

Maye disclosed that the choice was made after consulting with his family and other trusted mentors, stating, “This is the best decision for me and my future. It was my lifelong dream to play quarterback at North Carolina, and I get a chance to check off another dream and play quarterback in the NFL.”

Potential top-two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Drake Maye, was the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels in all 12 games this season. He achieved a completion rate of 63.3%, accumulating 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Despite Maye’s individual success, North Carolina concluded the regular season unranked at 8-4, resulting in an invitation to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against West Virginia. However, Maye, having declared for the draft, will not partake in the bowl game.

The looming question remains uncertain regarding whether the team with the No. 1 overall pick will choose Maye or Caleb Williams. While Williams has yet to declare for the draft, he also won’t be participating in the Trojans’ Holiday Bowl game against Louisville.

Maye and Williams fall short in the 2023 Heisman race 

Both USC and UNC fell short of fans’ expectations in the regular season football this year. At the start of the year, both players were leading the race for the Heisman trophy this year but were left in the dust after a few matches. To everyone’s surprise, neither Williams nor Maye were in the top 10 of the Heisman finalists.

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The Heisman award finally fell in the hands of  LSU senior quarterback Jayden Daniels, who garnered an impressive 2,029 points and an astounding 503 first-place votes. Heisman Trophy or not, it is only a matter of time before Williams and Maye enter the NFL race, their next saga to look forward to. 

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