In anticipation of April’s NFL Draft, four former UNC football players have been invited to the league’s annual scouting combine. The combine will be held from February 26 through March 4 in Indianapolis.
Quarterback Drake Maye, receiver Tez Walker, defensive lineman Myles Murphy and linebacker Cedric Gray all received invitations.
Maye is regarded as one of the top prospects in the draft and a likely Top 3 pick. The former ACC Player of the Year set numerous school records at Carolina, including passing yards, completions and attempts in a single season. He won the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award in 2022 and is a two-time finalist for the Manning Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate quarterback.
Walker played only eight games at UNC after a prolonged eligibility fight with the NCAA, but still finished as the team’s leader in touchdown receptions and receiving yards per game. Most outlets have him projected to be picked on the second or third day of the draft.
Gray and Murphy were stalwarts on the Carolina defense for three seasons, with the pair combining to miss only one game — that game being the 2023 Duke’s Mayo Bowl, which Gray sat out to prepare for the draft. Gray led UNC in tackles in 2022 and 2023 and was named first team All-ACC in each of those seasons. He stuffed the stat sheet as an all-around defensive force, recording five sacks, four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception in his final season with the Tar Heels.
Murphy put together a strong sophomore season in 2021, ranking second on the team with eight tackles for loss and four sacks and being named second team All-ACC. After struggling with nagging injuries as a junior in 2022, he had another solid year as a senior, starting all 13 games. Murphy recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery and earned an All-ACC honorable mention nod.
Featured image via Associated Press/Chris Seward
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