Advertisement

Social media reacts to NCAA ruling UNC wide receiver Devontez Walker ineligible

Aidan Jensen
·5 min read
3

Wide receiver Devontez Walker is expected to be a big-time playmaker for the University of North Carolina football team this upcoming season.

Walker became a reliable pass-catcher at Kent State last year, finishing 8th in the Mid-American Conference in receptions (58). He added on 921 receiving yards (48th in FBS) and 11 touchdowns (tied-5th).

Walker is a much-needed addition to the Tar Heel squad, especially with the departure of Josh Downs and Antoine Green to the NFL. His 2022 receiving yardage total is nearly 500 yards more than J.J. Jones, the returning receiver with the most yards (434).

There’s just one slight problem – Walker’s immediate eligibility was denied earlier today.

UNC head coach Mack Brown told 247Sports that Walker enrolled in Chapel Hill on Jan. 9. Two days later, the NCAA changed its rules on two-time transfers.

Brown was shocked at the NCAA’s ruling.

“When he transferred we thought it was an absolute no-brainer,” Brown told 247Sports. “He fits every reason that transfers should be eligible. And then we were really, really surprised when it was denied — and disappointed.”

Walker, recognized as a pre-season All-ACC selection last week, was even more disappointed at the ruling. He is a West Charlotte high school product – his family has plans to come see him in the Sept. 2 season opener against South Carolina at Bank of America Stadium.

““This whole experience has been extremely difficult on me and my family,” Walker told 247Sports. “One day, we feel the excitement of being closer to each other. The next day, we’re worried about whether or not I’m going to be able to play. Before, I was dealing with the stress and anxiety of being away from home. Now, I’ve been dealing with those same things through the waiver process and it’s just making things worse. This should be one of the happiest times of my life, and instead, I don’t know what’s going to happen and I’m struggling with all of it.”

Let’s see how social media, including reporters, teammates and fans, reacted to the NCAA’s unfortunate ruling on Walker:

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

 

Story originally appeared on Tarheels Wire