Tez Walker, back on the field after months of waiting, finishes second in targets in season debut
Posted October 7, 2023 8:32 p.m. EDT
Updated November 10, 2023 9:50 a.m. EST
Chapel Hill, N.C. — This season has been a wave of emotions for North Carolina sophomore wide receiver Devontez ‘Tez’ Walker.
In a reversal of previous rulings, the NCAA determined Walker is now eligible to play this season.
In a statement, the NCAA revealed that staff members received new information earlier in the week about Walker, which made him eligible for a transfer waiver. Walker was able to play immediately, ending months of passionate pleas from the program for Walker to join the team in what could be a memorable season.
On Saturday, Walker took the field for the first time this season in Chapel Hill running out with the state flag. The 14th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (5-0, 2-0 ACC) cruised to a 40-7 victory over the Syracuse Orange (4-2, 0-2 ACC).
Walker finished the game with six receptions on eight targets for 43 yards in his season debut.
“Happy for Tez Walker for getting back on the field.” Head coach Mack Brown said following the win.
When asked what the new information was that was received about Walker, Coach Brown simply responded with “I’m so excited about Tez playing that I’m looking forward and not looking back.”
For Walker, he was "blessed" to be able to go through the process of playing in a game after everything he's been through over the past couple of months.
"Just blessed to be out there. To have my teammates in my corner since I've been here and the same thing about being out on the field, just helping me out" Walker said.
The Tar Heels expressed their excitement Thursday when they found out the news regarding Walker's immediate eligibility.
"Everybody was just happy for me, I about shed a tear hugging every last one of them," Walker said.
North Carolina will stay at Kenan Memorial Stadium to face the 17th-ranked Miami Hurricanes for either a noon or 7:30 PM kickoff on Saturday, October 14, on ABC. Walker is excited to be able to play in Chapel Hill once again for his second game of the season, in front of a fan base that's been so supportive of him.
"It's something I've dreamed about since I was six years old and started playing football. Being in front of something like that, it's a blessing." Walker said.
Walker played at West Charlotte High School. Recently, Walker said he wanted to play at UNC to be closer to his ailing grandmother, who had never seen him play in person until Saturday night.
