On Monday, Drake Maye, the quarterback for North Carolina, declared his intention to skip an additional season of eligibility and enter the 2024 NFL Draft.
Maye, a redshirt sophomore who played two seasons for the Tar Heels, is one of the most physically gifted and naturally talented QB prospects in this year’s class. Despite his production not reaching the same heights as it did in 2022, his large build and athletic prowess enable him to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. However, he sometimes displays a tendency for reckless play.
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— Drake Maye (@DrakeMaye2) December 11, 2023
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Maye, who turns 22 years old in August, saw action as a true freshman in 2021 behind then-UNC starter and current Commanders QB Sam Howell. The following season, Maye won the starting job and turned in an incredible season with 4,321 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions and 698 rushing yards and seven rushing scores.
Maye’s performance slightly dwindled towards the end of his redshirt freshman season, leading to less impressive statistics in 2023. However, he managed to start every game during this season for the Tar Heels, amassing a total of 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. In addition, he rushed for 449 yards and scored nine additional touchdowns.
Maye’s game compares somewhat favorably to the Chargers’ Justin Herbert, with both able to shrug off hits, spray the ball all over the field and throw on the move.
The Maye family has a strong background in athletics. Mark, his father, notably played as a quarterback for the Tar Heels from 1983 to 1987. He started for two seasons and was even named co-captain during his senior year.
Drake’s brothers have also made a name for themselves in college athletics. Luke, a part of the 2017 national championship team, and Beau both played basketball at UNC. Cole, their third brother, played as a left-handed pitcher at Florida and was part of the Gators’ 2017 national championship team.
