Mack Brown talks up 2 transfer wide receivers as Tar Heels go through spring practice

Mack Brown has been impressed with the early performances from incoming transfer receiver Devontez Walker and Nate McCollum.

Brown shared his optimism with reporters on Tuesday afternoon as the Tar Heels continue to move through spring practice.

“The two transfer wide receivers are really good,” Brown said. “They will be in the mix.”

Walker arrives in Chapel Hill after he posted a near-1,000 yard season for Kent State in 2022. He caught 58 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns last year for the Golden Flashes. His season included a 107-yard, 1-touchdown performance against Georgia last September.

McCollum has plenty of experience in the ACC as he is arriving from Georgia Tech. He caught 60 passes for 655 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2022 for a Yellow Jackets team that dealt with a lot of turnover due to injury at the quarterback position.

Looking ahead to 2023 for North Carolina

It’s no secret that North Carolina’s wide receiver room will look a lot different in 2023. Josh Downs and Antoine Green, UNC’s 2 leading receivers in 2022, have both moved on. That duo was responsible for over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

If Walker and McCollum can make an immediate impact, it would make a big difference for the Tar Heels as they transition to life without Downs or offensive coordinator Phil Longo.

Quarterback Drake Maye frequently targeted a variety of pass-catchers last season, so UNC will have other options as well. Andre Greene Jr., Kobe Paysour and JJ Jones could also be in the mix to have major roles.

Carolina’s spring game is set for April 15.