How Much Does UNC Wide Receiver Devontez Walker Impact Miami's Defense?
The Miami Hurricanes will be challenged this Saturday. North Carolina has one of the most prolific passing offenses in the country. Quarterback Drake Maye is tremendous, and he is making use of several talented running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.
Maye is also getting a huge gift just in time to play against Miami, and that’s Kent State wide receiver transfer Devontez “Tez” Walker. He’s finally over the battle with the NCAA regarding eligibility after transferring to Chapel Hill, N.C. and UNC from Kent State.
Walker played in one game for the Tar Heels so far this season, but that’s not enough to do the 6-foot-3 and 200-pound game-breaker justice. Here are Walker’s numbers from his sophomore season for Kent State:58 receptions, 921 yards, 15.9 average, and 11 touchdowns.
Sure, it’s against mostly Mid-American Conference competition, but here are Walker’s numbers versus quality opponents from the 2022 season as well:
@ Washington
: 4 catches, 56 yards, 14 average, and 1 touchdown
@ Oklahoma
: 1 catch for 12 yards
@ Georgia
: 7 receptions, 106 yards, 15.1 average, and 1 touchdown
Two of the three games, Walker’s impact is obvious. Further, allow one’s own eyes to see just how fast this young man can be via this YouTube video:
As for Miami, the secondary has quite a bit of talent – like James Williams and Kamren Kinchens – and will be seeking redemption after the Georgia Tech game. That brings up a couple of key questions about how this matchup could play out.
1) Will Maye go out of his way to get Walker the football?
As smart as Maye continues to prove he is, do not be surprised if he continues to distribute the football to a plethora of players. For instance, three different UNC receivers stand with 18 to 28 receptions, and each one is capable of being a feature player for a given game.
2) On the flip side, will the Miami defensive secondary do anything different with a speedy – and lengthy – wide receiver now lining up outside?
As brought up earlier this week when discussing the UNC offensive weapons, Miami was going against a quality group even without Walker. The Canes would not be constantly double-teaming any one given player anyways.
Thus, look for the Hurricanes to rotate and change their play calls. Part of the defense’s DNA anyways, it’s a good idea versus quality competition, too.
By changing the defensive concepts consistently, it will add chances for turnovers. Also, you can bet that Miami is eventually going to heat Maye up with blitzes. Cannot allow him to just stand back in the pocket and survey the secondary.
3) How good a matchup would Walker versus Miami cornerback Jaden Davis be?
Out of all of Miami’s defensive players, one can argue that Jaden Davis has been the biggest surprise. The transfer from Oklahoma is a standout for Miami. He was good for OU, but not like he’s been for UM.
A fifth-year senior, the strong and savvy Davis may not be the biggest cornerback the Canes possess, but he’s dang good at finding the football and making plays (against the pass and the run). That would be a great head-to-head battle.
If it happens several times on Saturday night, it’s going to be fun to watch. May the best man win.
Overall, look for Miami to play its normal defense and be multiple. That’s been a staple for defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and his defensive coaches. They will just have to add Walker to the list of UNC weapons to cover.
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