On the heels of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye declaring for the NFL Draft on Monday, wide receiver Tez Walker did the same a day later.
Walker, who transferred from Kent State but initially had his waiver denied by the NCAA before it reversed course, posted his decision on social media.
“I have decided to opt out of the bowl game and will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft! Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to continue my journey,” Walker posted.
Walker also thanked North Carolina, Kent State and North Carolina Central in his statement.
North Carolina won’t have Maye or Walker in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against West Virginia on Dec. 27. Corey Gaynor, Myles Murphy and Cedric Gray have also left UNC and will enter the draft.
A two-time transfer, Walker finished with 41 catches for 699 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games in his one season with the Tar Heels. Three of those scores came Oct. 14 against visiting Miami, when he hauled in six catches for 132 yards in a 41-31 win.
In his three collegiate seasons, including two at Kent State (2021-22), the 6-2, 200-pound Walker finished with 104 catches for 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns.
