NCAA denies challenge waiver for UNC WR Walker

• Andrea Adelson, ESPN

  • Senior Citizen WriterAug 8, 2023, 01:45 PM ET Close ACC press reporter. Signed up with ESPN.com in 2010.
  • Graduate of the University of Florida.North Carolina

receiver Devontez Walker had his waiver for instant eligibility rejected by the NCAA, a choice Walker described Tuesday as “exceptionally difficult on me and my household.”

The school has filed an appeal on his behalf.The Charlotte, N.C., native stated in his declaration he transferred to North Carolina from Kent State to be closer to his ailing granny. He described the stress and anxiety of being far from home.Editor’s Picks

“She is my rock, my everything, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her,” Walker stated. “She took care of me when I was more youthful and being far from her and the rest of my household was very difficult and hard to deal with.

“It’s suggested the world to us to be in the very same location, where she’s just a brief drive away and I have even more chances to be with her. There is also the included benefit that she would have the ability to see me play college football face to face for the very first time, given that she wasn’t able to travel throughout my time at Kent State.”

Walker has not had an easy journey to North Carolina. He initially planned to go to East Tennessee State out of high school but tore his ACL, and his enrollment was deferred. NC Central gambled on him in 2020, but both the fall and spring seasons were canceled since of the COVID-19 pandemic. He ended up at Kent State for two seasons– the only spot where he has played in college. Last season, Walker had 58 catches for 921 lawns and 11 touchdowns.Walker arrived in time for spring practice and emerged as a leading receiver for quarterback Drake Maye. However he says the stress and anxiety he has felt over the past few years has only grown worse due to the fact that of the waiver procedure. Walker said he moved expecting to play this season, however the NCAA altered its guidelines regarding two-time transfers and eventually rejected his waiver.” This entire experience has been extremely hard on

me and my household. One day, we feel the enjoyment of being closer to each other. The next day, we’re worried about whether or not I’m going to be able to play, “Walker said.” Prior to, I was dealing with the tension and stress and anxiety of being away from home. Now, I’ve been handling those exact same things through the waiver process and it’s just making things worse. This must be among the happiest times of my life, and rather, I don’t understand what’s going to take place and I’m battling with all of it.”Because he did not dip into NC Central through no fault of his own, Walker is hoping the NCAA will reconsider. North Carolina opens the season in Charlotte versus South Carolina.” I did whatever within the guidelines to permit me to play this year, have actually plainly had some things take place that were out of my control,

and have handled the mental anguish that comes along with all of it,” Walker stated. “I want this to be over. I want to stop seeming like this. I just want to play. I want my granny to come watch me. I wish to be a student and a professional athlete and I hope those in charge give me that chance. “Brown told reporters after practice Tuesday he hopes the NCAA comprehends the distinct circumstances in this case.”It’s not like he’s a regular

two-time transfer,”Brown stated.”He’s played at one school. He’s followed all the guidelines and then the guidelines were altered.

We feel really, very good the NCAA will take a look at this and comprehend this isn’t a typical case of a double transfer and they will go on and accept the appeal and let him be able to play.”