Walker, the ‘game changer,’ lifts UNC over Miami

Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior Citizen WriterOct 15, 2023, 01:38 AM ET

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• ACC reporter.
• Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
• Graduate of the University of Florida.CHAPEL HILL, N.C.– North Carolina coach Mack Brown stated all week that Tez Walker would make a currently dynamic Tar Heels offense even better.Everyone saw why on Saturday night. In his very first game completely integrated into the offensive gameplan because the NCAA approved him instant eligibility, Walker had three touchdown captures in a 41-31 win over Miami– helping to push the Tar Heels to 6-0 on the season.North Carolina has actually scored 30 or more points in six straight games, and 40 points in each game given that Walker appeared.

  “I am truly happy with him,”Brown stated of Walker, who ended up with 6 catches and 132 yards. “We have an opportunity to be a lot much better with

  him in our lineup. Everybody is going to type in on him and it’ll alter the method people play defense against us. His presence is a game changer.”Walker waited almost half a season for this minute. In September, the NCAA denied his last attract play this season as a two-time transfer. In the weeks after that rejection

  , Walker worked on the North Carolina scout group while a legal group started reconsidering his case on his behalf. Then 2 days before the Syracuse game last week, the NCAA reversed course and approved his immediate eligibility.Editor’s Picks 2 Related Stunned at the reversal, Walker instantly got to work, packing in only a specific set of plays for the game versus the Orange. He did not start but played, capturing 6 passes for 43 lawns. Today would be different.Simply put, North Carolina does not have a receiver with combination of size(6-foot-2 1/2 )and speed to extend the field and make huge plays in the death game. Previously in the week, receivers coach Lonnie Galloway said, “His speed, his explosiveness, you have to account for him.” Quarterback Drake Maye stated Walker called a conference with him and the receivers to see more movie on Thursday to prepare for the game. Walker had actually waited on this minute for 6 games, and he felt ready for it, however you would never ever understand it based upon his behavior. Brown stated he asked Walker, “Are you excited about tonight?”and Walker replied,” Mmhmm.” Miami would soon discover. On his first touchdown pass, Walker lined up inside, and running back British Brooks lined up outside- totally confusing the Miami defensive backs. He caught a simple 18-yard goal. On his 2nd, Walker completely blew past Miami cornerback Jaden Davis for a 56-yard score. On his third, Walker when again was large open across the middle-and this time All-American security Kam Kinchens could not do anything to stop him. Walker had himself a 33-yard touchdown reception. To commemorate, he did the U with his hands and after that tossed it downward in front of the Miami section.Asked about it afterward, Walker stated,”Maturing you hear about Miami, you see team playing them, you see them tossing the U down, so seeing orange in front of my face, may as well. They were a little chippy, too. “Walker stated he was not as jittery against Miami as he was last week since he had more time to prepare. Asked if he had a feeling he would have a breakout game, Walker said, “I had a little sensation– I simply wanted to get out there and get the win, really. Simply do my part. At the end of the day, winning is

  what it’s everything about. “Maye joked he must have targeted Walker more than the nine times he carried out in the game, because Walker was so efficient. Walker ended up being the second player in UNC history with 3 receiving goals versus an AP Top 25 challenger, joining Hakeem Nicks in 2008 vs 23 Boston College.But he did more than simply catch passes. Walker likewise had a continue a developed run that chose 19 lawns, and he recovered an onside kick late in the game that sealed the win for the Tar Heels.After the game ended, Galloway discovered Walker after he was made with his postgame interview and provided him a long welcome. “He simply told me congratulations, and he loved me,” Walker said.

  “I’m thankful I’m you’re coach.”