UNC coach Mack Brown preps for App State while awaiting NCAA's decision on WR Tez Walker
Posted September 4, 2023 12:07 p.m. EDT
Updated September 4, 2023 1:14 p.m. EDT
Chapel Hill, N.C. — North Carolina head coach Mack Brown is hoping to build off his team’s 1-0 start on Saturday against Appalachian State.
Kickoff is set for 5:15 p.m. Saturday at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The game airs on the ACC Network.
On Thursday, another NCAA committee is expected to consider whether to make transfer wide receiver Devontez Walker eligible for the 2023 season. The NCAA denied Walker’s waiver to play immediately.
Brown said Monday it was his understanding the university couldn’t pursue legal recourse for Walker’s eligibility getting denied. However, Brown said Walker could. Brown said UNC leadership is looking at the different options.
“I just [have to] hope [the NCAA does] what’s right,” Brown said. “I mean, he’s not like a double-transfer. He didn’t play at the first school, so that’s different and we need to see it’s different.
“I look up and I see guys that are in their fourth school playing Saturday.”
Brown said he “broke down” when he heard Walker wouldn’t play.
“This guy has been through so much,” Brown said of Walker. “And then, he transfers and two days later, [the NCAA changes] the rule."
“So, why isn’t he grandfathered in? And then, he’s got a grandmother that’s never seen him play that’s sick. He’s got 30 tickets for family members that are going to come to his game. His life’s dream is to play at [North] Carolina. His life’s dream is to play in [the Carolina] Panthers’ stadium and he didn’t get to play. So, I just broke down. I couldn’t handle it.”
Walker and fellow wide receiver Nate McCollum did not play Saturday in North Carolina’s 31-17 win against South Carolina. McCollum is day to day with a lower-body injury.
UNC offensive lineman Ed Montilus dealing with an injury from Saturday’s opener. He’ll be evaluated during the week.
Brown complimented the Tar Heels’ defense for Saturday’s performance.
On Monday, Brown said the Tar Heels would need to stop App State’s running game. Junior running back Nate Noel had 117 rushing yards and a touchdown in the team’s 45-24 win against Gardner-Webb. App State quarterback Joey Aguilar came off the bench, completing 11 of 13 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns.
Last season, North Carolina survived a 63-61 thriller against Appalachian State in Boone. The two teams combined to score 62 points in the fourth quarter.
“They totally embarrassed us defensively last year and changed the narrative of who we were, and we were the laughingstock of defense in the country giving up 40 points in the fourth quarter and 61 points [overall],” Brown said.
“I’ve admired App State since I coached there,” Brown said.
Brown on the ACC’s expansion of Cal, Stanford and SMU
Brown said he evaluates conference realignment using three criteria:
- Is it best for college players?
- Is it best for the college players’ parents?
- Is it best for fans?
“I’m worried that losing some rival games,” Brown said. “We’re losing who we are and we’re becoming national as leagues across the country.”
Last week, the ACC voted to expand its league to add Cal, Stanford and SMU starting in 2024.
“We’re thinking more about money right now than we’re thinking about our fans,” Brown said.
Brown said he also worried about the potential impacts on players’ mental health.
“I want each of our players to be treated like I would want my son to be treated,” Brown said.
