What Were Drake Maye's Stats In College? A Look At His UNC Performance
Many folks are really curious about Drake Maye's college numbers, and for a very good reason. He was a truly exciting player to watch at North Carolina, and his time there got a lot of people talking about his future in professional football. People wonder, you know, just what kind of impact did he actually make?
It's interesting to think about what makes a college quarterback stand out. Was it the sheer volume of yards, the number of touchdowns, or perhaps how well he took care of the football? These are the sorts of things fans often look at when they're trying to get a full picture of a player.
So, we're going to take a pretty close look at what Drake Maye accomplished during his college days. We'll break down his performance year by year, giving you a clear idea of his journey and what those numbers really mean. It's almost like putting together a puzzle, really, to see the whole picture.
Table of Contents
- Drake Maye: A Brief Introduction
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- His Time at North Carolina: The Redshirt Year
- The Breakout Season: 2022
- Building on Success: 2023
- Career Totals: A Complete Picture
- What the Stats Tell Us About Drake Maye
- Frequently Asked Questions About Drake Maye's College Stats
- Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
Drake Maye: A Brief Introduction
Drake Maye, a name many football fans know, made quite an impression during his college career. He played quarterback for the North Carolina Tar Heels, becoming a central figure for their team. His journey there started with a lot of promise, and he certainly delivered on much of that.
He arrived at UNC as a highly touted recruit, a young player with a lot of potential. People had high hopes for him, and he worked hard to meet those expectations. It's kind of cool, actually, seeing a player grow into such a big role.
His time with the Tar Heels showed everyone what he could do on the field. He handled the pressures of leading a college offense, and he put up some really impressive numbers. Many saw him as a future star, and his college stats are a big reason why.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Drake Lee Maye |
| Date of Birth | August 2002 |
| Hometown | Huntersville, North Carolina |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Jersey Number (UNC) | 10 |
His Time at North Carolina: The Redshirt Year
Drake Maye first joined the North Carolina football program in 2021. This first year was a bit different for him. He took what's called a redshirt year, which means he participated in practices and learned the system but didn't play in many games. This allowed him to develop and get ready for a bigger role.
During that 2021 season, he appeared in just four games. This was enough to maintain his redshirt status, allowing him to save a year of eligibility. He threw a very limited number of passes, just 10, actually, completing seven of them. He also got one touchdown pass that year.
It was a time for learning, you know, for getting comfortable with the college game. He gained valuable experience, even if it wasn't on the main stage. This preparation was really important for what came next.
The Breakout Season: 2022
The 2022 season was when Drake Maye truly burst onto the scene. He took over as the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels and made a huge impact right away. People started paying serious attention to his play.
He played in all 14 of North Carolina's games that year. This meant he was on the field for every single snap, leading the offense. His performance earned him many awards and a lot of praise.
It was a very busy year for him, putting up numbers that really turned heads. He showed he could handle the pressure, and he made some incredible plays. That, is that, what everyone wanted to see from him.
Passing Numbers: 2022
- **Passing Yards:** Maye threw for an impressive 4,321 yards in 2022. This number put him among the top passers in the entire country. It showed his ability to move the ball down the field.
- **Passing Touchdowns:** He tossed 38 touchdown passes during this season. This was a very high total, indicating his skill at finishing drives with points.
- **Completion Percentage:** He completed 66.2% of his passes. This suggests a good level of accuracy and consistency in his throws.
- **Interceptions:** Maye had 7 interceptions in 2022. While no quarterback wants turnovers, this number was relatively low given his high volume of passes.
- **Passer Rating:** His passer rating for the season was 157.9. This metric combines several passing stats to give an overall measure of efficiency.
These numbers, you know, they really tell a story of a player who could deliver the ball effectively. He showed he could connect with his receivers often. It's almost like he had a knack for finding the open man.
Rushing Contribution: 2022
Drake Maye wasn't just a passer; he also contributed significantly with his legs. This dual-threat ability made him even harder for defenses to stop. He could extend plays or pick up crucial first downs.
- **Rushing Yards:** He ran for 698 yards in 2022. This is a substantial amount for a quarterback, showing his willingness and ability to run.
- **Rushing Touchdowns:** Maye scored 7 rushing touchdowns. These scores often came in critical situations, proving his toughness near the goal line.
His rushing stats added another layer to his game, making him a truly dynamic player. He could escape pressure, or, just take off for big gains. That's a very valuable skill to have.
Building on Success: 2023
Following his stellar 2022 campaign, Drake Maye entered the 2023 season with even higher expectations. He continued to be the main man for the Tar Heels, leading their offense. People watched his every move, wondering if he could keep up his incredible pace.
He played in 12 games during the 2023 season. This was a bit fewer than the previous year, but he still played a full schedule of regular season games. He remained a central figure for his team, no doubt about it.
Even with a few changes around him, he still put up some very respectable numbers. He showed a lot of resilience and continued to grow as a player. It was, you know, another solid year for him.
Passing Numbers: 2023
- **Passing Yards:** Maye threw for 3,608 yards in 2023. While a bit less than 2022, this is still a very strong total for a college season. He kept the passing game moving.
- **Passing Touchdowns:** He recorded 24 touchdown passes. This number shows he was still a significant scoring threat through the air.
- **Completion Percentage:** His completion rate improved slightly to 63.3%. This suggests he maintained a good level of accuracy despite facing tough defenses.
- **Interceptions:** Maye had 9 interceptions in 2023. This was a slight increase from the previous year, but still within a reasonable range for a high-volume passer.
- **Passer Rating:** His passer rating for the season was 149.0. This shows he remained an efficient quarterback.
These numbers highlight his continued ability to make plays with his arm. He showed a good command of the offense, and he could still make those big throws. It's really something to see a player consistently perform at that level.
Rushing Contribution: 2023
Maye's rushing abilities continued to be a factor in 2023. He used his legs to extend plays and gain valuable yards, keeping defenses honest. This part of his game is, arguably, a real strength.
- **Rushing Yards:** He gained 449 yards on the ground. This still represents a solid contribution from the quarterback position.
- **Rushing Touchdowns:** Maye added 9 rushing touchdowns. This was actually an increase from the previous year, showing his nose for the end zone when running the ball.
His knack for running, especially for touchdowns, really added another dimension to the Tar Heels' offense. He was, in some respects, a true dual threat. This made him very difficult to defend.
Career Totals: A Complete Picture
When we put all of Drake Maye's college stats together, we get a full view of his impressive career at North Carolina. He only played two full seasons as a starter, but he made every snap count. It's pretty amazing, actually, what he managed to do in that time.
His overall numbers paint a picture of a quarterback who was both prolific and efficient. He consistently moved the ball, and he found ways to score points. Here's a quick look at his career totals, for instance.
- **Total Passing Yards:** Over his time at UNC, Drake Maye threw for 8,018 yards. This is a huge number for just two main seasons of play.
- **Total Passing Touchdowns:** He accounted for 63 passing touchdowns. This shows his consistent ability to find the end zone through the air.
- **Total Completion Percentage:** His career completion percentage settled at 64.9%. This speaks to his accuracy over a large sample of throws.
- **Total Interceptions:** He threw 16 interceptions in his college career. This is a pretty reasonable number, considering how often he threw the ball.
- **Total Rushing Yards:** Maye added 1,147 rushing yards. This highlights his significant contribution on the ground, making him a true dual threat.
- **Total Rushing Touchdowns:** He scored 16 rushing touchdowns. This shows his effectiveness as a runner, especially in scoring situations.
These figures, you know, they really highlight his overall impact on the team. He was a complete offensive weapon, able to beat defenses with his arm and his legs. It's clear he left a very big mark on the program.
What the Stats Tell Us About Drake Maye
Looking at Drake Maye's college stats, we can learn a lot about the kind of player he was. His high passing yardage totals suggest he could consistently throw for a lot of gains. This means he could stretch the field and keep drives alive.
The large number of touchdowns, both passing and rushing, tells us he was a major scoring threat. He had a knack for putting points on the board, which is a very important quality for a quarterback. It's almost like he just knew how to get it done.
His completion percentage shows he was accurate with his throws. He generally put the ball where it needed to be, allowing his receivers to make plays. This level of precision is, arguably, a sign of good technique.
The rushing yards and touchdowns also show his athleticism. He wasn't just a pocket passer; he could extend plays and pick up yards when things broke down. This dual-threat capability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and, you know, it's a skill that translates well.
Overall, his stats paint a picture of a highly productive and versatile quarterback. He was a leader for his team, and he consistently performed at a high level. These numbers are a pretty good indicator of his potential for the next level of competition. Learn more about quarterback performance on our site, and link to this page about college football trends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drake Maye's College Stats
How many seasons did Drake Maye play as a starter at UNC?
Drake Maye played two full seasons as the starting quarterback for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He took over the starting role in the 2022 season and continued in that position through the 2023 season. He also had a very brief appearance in 2021.
What was Drake Maye's best passing season?
Drake Maye's best passing season in terms of yardage and touchdowns was 2022. During that year, he threw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns. This was a really remarkable output, setting a high bar for his college career, you know.
Did Drake Maye run for many touchdowns in college?
Yes, Drake Maye certainly ran for a good number of touchdowns in college. Across his two main seasons as a starter, he scored 16 rushing touchdowns. This shows his ability to be a threat in the red zone with his legs, which is pretty cool.
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
Drake Maye's college stats are a clear indicator of his talent and potential. He put together a very strong resume during his time at North Carolina. These numbers helped position him as one of the top prospects in his draft class.
As he moves on to the professional level, many will look back at these college performances. They offer a solid foundation for what he might achieve in the future. It's exciting to think about what he'll do next, really.
His college career was full of big plays and impressive statistics, so. These achievements set the stage for his next steps in the sport. It will be interesting to see how his skills translate to the highest level of football. For more detailed stats, you might check out a reputable sports statistics site, like ESPN's player page for Drake Maye.
Drake Maye College Stats | Season and Career
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