UNC will be missing a lot in its bowl game.
As reported by InsideCarolina, UNC will be without seven starters when it faces West Virginia in late December. There are a mix of NFL draft hopefuls and injured players who will not play.. On the bright side, North Carolina will be able to plug in its young guys and see what next year’s team has.
Draft Opt-Outs
Drake Maye– The star quarterback is a top-five pick in this coming draft. He officially declared for the draft last night and will not be available for the bowl game.
Cedric Gray– One of the Tar Heels best defensive players, Gray declared for the draft and will not participate in the bowl game.
Tez Walker– UNC’s best deep threat, Walker is headed to the draft and will not play in the bowl game.
Corey Gaynor– A constant on the offensive line, Gaynor is headed to the NFL and will not play in the bowl game.
Injuries
Alijah Huzzie– One of the Tar Heels best secondary players, Huzzie got hurt in the Clemson game. He didn’t play against NC State and won’t be available for the bowl game.
Bryson Nesbit– Dealing with a lower-body injury, the dynamic tight end is out for the bowl.
John Copenhaver– Also dealing with a lower-body injury, the sure-handed Copenhaver won’t be able to play in the bowl game.
Backup safety Will Hardy and offensive lineman Zach Rice will also not be available.
North Carolina will be missing a lot of firepower. Tight end is going to be an issue. Nesbit and Copenhaver are hurt, Kamari Morales transferred to Boston College, and freshman Julien Randolph has missed the whole season with an injury.
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