John Copenhaver catches a beautiful touchdown from Drake Maye in practice
If we’re just watching football highlights alone, it looks like UNC quarterback Drake Maye is already in midseason form.
While the Tar Heels don’t start gameplay until Saturday, Sept. 2 against South Carolina in Bank of America Stadium (7:30 p.m., ABC), they’re giving fans a lot to be excited about in practice.
If fans check out the UNC Football Instagram page, Maye throws a dime to tight end John Copenhaver down the sidelines. Copenhaver makes a catch placed perfectly over graduate linebacker Jake Harkleroad, then practically walks into the end zone. The Maye-Copenhaver connection is going to be crucial this Fall, as Maye will be searching for new targets to replace 2023 NFL Draft picks Josh Downs and Antoine Green.
Maye is coming off a season in which he finished fourth in the FBS (4,321) in passing yards, just one spot behind Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, and tied with Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman for fourth in passing touchdowns (38). UNC fans also quickly learned of Maye’s strong rushing ability, as Maye anchored the Tar Heel rushing attack with 698 yards.
Whichever way Drake Maye wants to hurt a defense, he’s going to.
Despite catching 15 passes for 222 yards last season, Copenhaver split time with Bryson Nesbit and Kamari Morales. Copenhaver may see more time this Fall, however, as he and Nesbit were named to the 2023 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List. This is an award given annually to the top tight end in college football.
Get ready for action, Tar Heel fans. 2023’s about to be a great year.
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