Draft Scout North Carolina Player News, College Football: North Carolina

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Draft Scout College Football Player News: North Carolina

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09/03/24 - Jahvaree Ritzie, Sr/2025, North Carolina + More +

WEEK 1 ACC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK: Jahvaree Ritzie, North Carolina, DL, Kernersville, North Carolina,...Ritzie led the North Carolina defense with a career-high three sacks in the Tar Heels' 19-17 road win at Minnesota to start the season. Ritzie finished with six total tackles, five of which were solo stops. He recorded his 100th career tackle in the victory. His three sacks were the most in a game by a Tar Heel since Tomon Fox had three on September 7, 2019. The mark is tied for the third most in a game by a North Carolina defender. - ACC Football

Sr/2025

DT Jahvaree Ritzie, North Carolina
News Source: ACC Football
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09/03/24 - Noah Burnette, rSr/2025, North Carolina + More +

WEEK 1 ACC SPECIALIST OF THE WEEK: Noah Burnette, North Carolina, K, Raleigh, North Carolina,...Burnette led North Carolina to a 19-17 road victory over Minnesota to start the 2024 season, connecting on all four of his field goal attempts, including the game winner with 1:56 to play in the contest. Burnette was good from 29, 52, 42, and 45 yards out. He also put through his only extra point attempt of the game. Burnette is now tied for sixth at North Carolina with 38 career field goals. His 52-yarder was the longest by a Tar Heel since 2016. - ACC Football

rSr/2025

K Noah Burnette, North Carolina
News Source: ACC Football
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08/29/24 - Max Johnson, rSr/2026, North Carolina + More +

North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson left the season opener at Minnesota with an injury to his right knee in the third quarter of his debut with the Tar Heels on Thursday night. Johnson, who transferred from Texas A&M and won the job to replace third overall NFL draft pick Drake Maye, was hurt when his leg bent awkwardly while being taken to the ground on a blitz by Justin Walley.

Johnson immediately clutched his right knee and stayed down for several minutes. After beginning to limp off with assistance from the medical staff, he was instead put on a cart to be taken off the field. After a rough first half, Johnson went 8 for 9 for 43 yards in the third quarter. He was replaced by Conner Harrell with the Gophers leading 14-10. Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, started his college career at LSU. This was the 23rd start for the fifth-year player. - AP College Football

rSr/2026

QB Max Johnson, North Carolina
News Source: AP College Football
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12/11/23 - Drake Maye, rSo/2024, North Carolina + More +

North Carolina star quarterback Drake Maye is entering the NFL draft and won't play in the Duke's Mayo Bowl for the Tar Heels against West Virginia. Maye announced his decision in a social media post Monday, ending his UNC career that included two years as the starter putting up prolific numbers and making himself one of the most sought-after potential prospects for the NFL. The school has also announced that all-ACC linebacker Cedric Gray, receiver Devontez "Tez" Walker, offensive lineman Corey Gaynor and defensive lineman Myles Murphy are all entering the NFL draft. Of that group, only Murphy is set to play in the bowl game.

Maye was named The Associated Press offensive player of the year for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2022 in his first full season as a starter, throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns while running for 698 yards and seven additional scores. He led UNC to the ACC title game that year. Things didn't come quite as easily this year, though Maye still ranked second in the Bowl Subdivision in total offense (338.1) and eighth in passing (300.7). The move means Conner Harrell is set to take over at quarterback for UNC against West Virginia, with the redshirt freshman making four appearances in relief - including in that N.C. State loss - behind Maye. - AP College Football

rSo/2024

QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
News Source: AP College Football
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01/30/23 - J.J. Jones, Sr/2025, North Carolina + More +

One of the UNC football program's returning pass catchers has a pretty significant road to recovery during the offseason. With the departures of Josh Downs and Antoine Green, the UNC football program's wide receiver room will feature junior J. J. Jones - when he heals. Jones recorded 23 catches for 423 yards and two scores during his sophomore campaign. On social media, Jones announced that he underwent hip surgery. This is a rather significant surgery, especially at a young age, as his road to recovery is expected to take some time. However, based on his Instagram caption, the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native seems determined to get back to full strength as soon as possible. - Keepingitheel.com

Sr/2025

WR J.J. Jones, North Carolina
News Source: Keepingitheel.com
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01/18/23 - Antavious Lane, rSr/2025, North Carolina + More +

Mack Brown and the UNC football program continue to do well in the transfer portal, as they land yet another commitment to add to the mix. 10. That's now the number of players that have committed to the UNC football program out of the transfer portal. After visiting Chapel Hill over the weekend, former Georgia State safety Antavious Lane has decided to transfer to the University of North Carolina. He was so impressed with his visit that he elected to forgo any other planned visits elsewhere that he had lined up.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound safety will head to North Carolina after graduating from Georgia State in May and will have a year of eligibility plus a COVID year remaining. In the new world of the transfer portal, each and every game could be an audition of sorts for players across the country. For Lane, it certainly helped that he had a strong game against the Tar Heels this season, as he recorded six total tackles and two forced fumbles. Lane was second on the Georgia State team last season with 87 tackles. He also finished the season with two interceptions. - Keeping It Heel

rSr/2025

FS Antavious Lane, North Carolina
News Source: Keeping It Heel
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01/10/23 - Corey Gaynor, rSr/2024, North Carolina + More +

The UNC football program received some good news, as one of their standout offensive linemen will return for the 2023 season. On Monday morning, UNC football head coach Mack Brown spoke to the media. The long-time NCAA head coach spoke about various topics, including the transfer portal as well as some updates regarding players on the current roster. One of the updates surrounded Corey Gaynor, the veteran offensive lineman who earned All-ACC Honorable Mention in his lone season as a Tar Heel. He started all 14 games last season and played every single meaningful snap for the Tar Heels' offense, as he quickly rose as a leader on last year's squad. Fortunately, North Carolina will get Gaynor back, as Brown announced that he will return for the 2023 season. - Keeping It Heel

rSr/2024

C Corey Gaynor, North Carolina
News Source: Keeping It Heel
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12/24/22 - Devontez Walker, rJr/2024, North Carolina + More +

Drake Maye has a new weapon to work with, as an in-state product will be returning home to finish his college career with the UNC football program. The UNC football program's wide receiver room will look a lot different next season, as the Tar Heels will have to replace star wideouts Josh Downs and Antoine Green. On Wednesday, North Carolina received a big-time commitment from one of the best wide receivers available in the transfer portal.

Devontez "Tez" Walker announced that he will be joining the UNC football program. The Charlotte, North Carolina native returns to his home state to finish out his final two seasons of college eligibility. Walker originally signed with NC Central to begin his college career but transferred to Kent State after NCCU's 2020 season was canceled. After his breakout 2022 season, Walker became a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal. He became a top weapon for Kent State's offense, as he recorded 58 catches for 921 yards and 11 scores. His most notable performance came against the Georgia Bulldogs, where he recorded seven receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown against one of the nation's best defensive units. - Keeping It Heel

rJr/2024

WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
News Source: Keeping It Heel
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12/21/22 - Cedric Gray, Sr/2024, North Carolina + More +

Mack Brown confirmed on Monday that standout linebacker Cedric Gray will be returning to the UNC football program for the 2023 season. The UNC football program announced some big news on Monday, as Mack Brown told reporters that star linebacker Cedric Gray will be returning to the team for his senior season. This is major news for the Tar Heels, especially given that the team has lost some quality defensive players via the transfer portal. Gray was undoubtedly North Carolina's best player on that side of the football and should be in line for a standout senior season. As a junior, Gray led the UNC football program in tackles (137), tackles for loss (10.0), forced fumbles (three), and fumble recoveries (two). He earned First-Team All-ACC and Sporting News Second-Team All-America honors for his efforts.

Not only was Gray one of the best defensive players in the ACC, but has also earned a spot among the nation's best at his position. Heading into his senior season, Gray should draw plenty of preseason recognition. When discussing Gray's return, Brown told the media that his star linebacker has some unfinished business left to take care of in Chapel Hill. "Cedric Gray has told me that he is 100 percent coming back, which is great news for us and in North Carolina, because he's one of the best players in the country. And he wants to come back and make sure he has a chance to finish this thing right." - Keeping It Heel.com

Sr/2024

ILB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
News Source: Keeping It Heel.com
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12/19/22 - Willie Lampkin, rSr/2025, North Carolina + More +

2022 ALL-SUN BELT CONFERENCE FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM: OL - Willie Lampkin, Coastal Carolina (Jr., OL - Lakeland, Fla.),...A two-time All-Sun Belt second-team the last two seasons, Lampkin picked up first-team all-conference accolades this year. Making the move from guard to center this year, Lampkin has made 11 starts to extend his streak to 36 consecutive starts for his CCU career. Named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, the junior was the top-graded offensive lineman for CCU in seven of the 11 games on the year, grading out at 85 percent or higher in all 11 contests.

To date, he has totaled 35 knockdown blocks this year, including a season-high 11 in the season-opening win over Army (Sept. 3). He also had three takedown blocks in wins at Georgia State (Sept. 22), at ULM (Oct. 8) and against ODU (Oct. 15), and has helped lead CCU's offense to the fifth-best rushing offense in the SBC at 166.5 yards per contest despite missing the top three running backs most of the season. - Coastal Carolina Football

rSr/2025

OG Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
News Source: Coastal Carolina Football
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12/19/22 - Antavious Lane, rSr/2025, North Carolina + More +

2022 ALL-SUN BELT CONFERENCE FOOTBALL THIRD TEAM: DB - Antavious Lane, Georgia State (RS Jr., DB - West Palm Beach, Fla.),...Three-time All-Sun Belt safety ... 2022 Preseason first-team All-Sun Belt and Watch Lists for Bronko Nagurski Trophy & Jim Thorpe Award...First-team All-Sun Belt in 2021, second-team in 2020 and third-team in 2022 ... Leads the Sun Belt and ranks No. 18 in FBS in solo tackles (5.2 per game)...Tied for third among active FBS players with 11 career interceptions; second with 0.30 career interceptions per game ... Sixth in GSU history with 226 career tackles ... Career-high 15 tackles in win over Georgia Southern... Forced two fumbles vs. North Carolina ... Had an interception and pass breakup vs. Southern Miss, helping the GSU defense set school record by allowing just 202 total yards. - Georgia State Football

rSr/2025

FS Antavious Lane, North Carolina
News Source: Georgia State Football
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12/18/22 - Drake Maye, rSo/2024, North Carolina + More +

North Carolina coach Mack Brown announced the hiring of Chip Lindsey as the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Thursday. Lindsey will be entrusted to guide quarterback Drake Maye, who could enter next season as a Heisman Trophy favorite and potentially be a top NFL draft pick in 2024. Lindsey comes to Chapel Hill after serving as the offensive coordinator at UCF this season. It was his only season with the Knights, but marked the third year he worked in that capacity on a Gus Malzahn staff. Lindsey was Auburn's offensive coordinator in 2017-18 during Malzahn's tenure on the Plains.

"Chip is well-versed in UNC's offensive style of play and he has a wealth of experience working with some of the greatest offensive minds in the country," Brown said in a statement. "You can see that in the way his offenses play. Chip is multiple in his approach and has the unique skill of adapting based on personnel. He's developed quarterbacks at a high level including two current NFL QBs in Nick Mullens and Jarrett Stidham." Lindsey's offense at UCF ranked 11th in total offense averaging 480.6 yards per game, eighth in rushing offense (236.1 ypg), and 26th in scoring offense at 34.4 points per game. Lindsey replaces Phil Longo, who held the position for four seasons before leaving to take a similar role at Wisconsin. - Raleigh News Observer

rSo/2024

QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
News Source: Raleigh News Observer
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12/17/22 - Devontez Walker, rJr/2024, North Carolina + More +

2022 ALL-MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM: Wide Receiver - Devontez Walker, Kent State,...Walker earns his first all-conference accolade after stepping into a starting role this season. He posted one of the finest seasons in the MAC and set the program record with 11 touchdown catches. That mark tied for the MAC lead and was sixth in the FBS. His 921 yards led the conference and is third-most in program history. He also finished amongst the leaders in receptions (58) and yards per catch (15.9). - Kent State Football

rJr/2024

WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
News Source: Kent State Football
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12/13/22 - Jacolby Criswell, rSr/2025, North Carolina + More +

Former Morrilton and North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell has committed to Arkansas during his official visit to Fayetteville. Criswell, 6-1 and 225 pounds, entered the transfer portal on Monday and made his way to Arkansas Friday night to start his visit. He announced his pledge on Twitter with "Excited to be playing in my home state next season. Ready to get to work with the boys." He becomes the third scholarship quarterback on the roster. Georgia prep quarterback Malachi Singleton is expected to sign with the Razorbacks during the early signing period that runs Dec. 21-23.

Second-year starting quarterback KJ Jefferson recently announced his plans to return to Arkansas for the 2023 season. Criswell signed with the Tar Heels in 2020 as a consensus 4-star prospect. He also had offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Miami, Ole Miss, Auburn, Oklahoma State and other schools. He backed up the ACC's Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year, Drake Maye, this season and appeared in three games. He completed 2 of 6 passes for 9 yards, and rushed 4 times for 39 yards. - Northwest Arkansas Times

rSr/2025

QB Jacolby Criswell, North Carolina
News Source: Northwest Arkansas Times
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12/09/22 - *Josh Downs, Jr/2023, North Carolina + More +

North Carolina receiver Josh Downs is opting out of the Holiday Bowl against No. 15 Oregon to prepare for a jump to the NFL draft. Downs announced his decision in a social media post Friday, less than a week after he had 11 catches for 100 yards in the Tar Heels' loss to No. 10 Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. He led the team with 94 catches for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns despite missing two games.

Downs ranks third in the Bowl Subdivision ranks with 8.5 catches per game, while his 11 TD catches is tied for seventh. His top stretch came when he had a run of four straight 100-yard games with at least nine catches each time. That included 15 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown at Virginia and 11 catches for 154 yards and three scores in a win at Wake Forest that clinched the ACC's Coastal Division title. Downs had ranked 10th in FBS in 2021 with 1,335 yards receiving to go with eight scores. - AP College Football

Jr/2023