Analysis: Despite loss of Josh Downs, UNC heads into season with deep receiving roster

With the loss of starting wide receivers Josh Downs and Antoine Green to the NFL draft this past spring, coach Mack Brown will look for new stars to headline North Carolina’s receiving corps.

But thanks to a mix of transfers, returning players and first-years joining the team, UNC still offers a lot of depth in the wide receiver room as the team enters this season.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback and projected first-round NFL draft pick Drake Maye will have plenty of offensive weapons to choose from. Here’s a look at a few players who will likely be top options for UNC's top passer:

Transfers

The Tar Heels added two experienced transfers to the roster this year – juniors Nate McCollum and Devontez “Tez” Walker. 

At the ACC Kickoff on July 27, Brown said McCollum and Walker have many similarities to the two high-level starters UNC lost. However, the NCAA’s decision on Walker’s appeal for eligibility will likely determine the caliber of North Carolina’s starting group of wide receivers. 

Walker, a transfer from Kent State, recorded 63 receptions,1,045 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Golden Flashes. 

The Charlotte native was named to the 2023 All-ACC Preseason Team in August and offers speed, explosiveness downfield and experience. Against No. 1 Georgia last season, Walker scored a 56-yard touchdown and accumulated 106 receiving yards. Walker is currently listed as UNC's top option at X-receiver on the 2023 depth chart, but will be unable to play on Saturday unless his appeal for eligibility is resolved before then.

Georgia Tech transfer McCollum is another potential starter for UNC. In 29 games with the Yellow Jackets, the junior receiver posted 75 receptions, 778 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His 60 receptions last season ranked in the top ten in the ACC. 

Brown said McCollum’s speed, toughness and ability to run the ball is very similar to Downs, making him a valuable threat for North Carolina’s arsenal. 

Returning wideouts

Out of all the returning wide receivers, J.J. Jones is one of the team's most experienced receivers. Last year, the junior made 12 starts and appeared in 14 games, accumulating 434 receiving yards on 24 receptions. Jones ranked second on the team with more than 18 yards per catch. According to UNC's depth chart, Jones is slotted right behind Walker for the X-receiver spot.

Besides Jones, sophomores Kobe Paysour and Gavin Blackwell are valuable pieces, and are likely starters at the slot and Z-receiver positions, respectively. Last year, Paysour stepped up for North Carolina in the Holiday Bowl against Oregon in place of the usual starters, totaling seven catches for 98 receiving yards.

Blackwell, a redshirt sophomore, played in 13 games last season, averaging 13.3 yards per catch.

Redshirt first-year Andre Greene Jr. and Tychaun “Doc” Chapman, along with first-years Chris Culliver and Christian Hamilton, could also make an impact this year at wideout. Sophomore running back George Pettaway practiced in the slot during preseason camp and could become another option in the receiving game.  

Tight end depth

New tight end coach Freddie Kitchens is entering the 2023 season with a stacked cast which includes graduate student Kamari Morales and juniors John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit. 

Last year, Morales started all 14 games, recording 29 catches for 358 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

While Morales led the group in starts, Copenhaver and Nesbit also played meaningful roles. Both juniors were named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, an honor presented to the nation’s most outstanding tight end, which is a testament to their ability at the position.  

Nesbit led the group with 35 receptions for 507 yards and is a big-play threat. Still, Copenhaver and Morales appear to be the top options for UNC at tight end, per North Carolina's depth chart. 

Regardless of who starts, all three veteran players offer considerable talent and will likely continue to see significant playing time.

@carolinewills03

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