North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker is a big-bodied vertical playmaker with game-changing abilities. Walker accumulated 35 catches for 656 yards and seven touchdowns in just seven appearances this season. He then went to the NFL Combine and ran a 4.36 40, and had a 40.5 inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad.
Walker recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about the decision that initially ruled him ineligible to play in 2023, his chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You were initially ruled ineligible to play at North Carolina in 2023 due to some outdated rules. The committee eventually reversed its decision, but how did you deal with that adversity personally while it was an ongoing situation?
Tez Walker: I chose to approach our head coach Mack Brown and ask him if I could be on the scout team. Continuing to work on my craft is what got me through that situation. I didn’t let it be a distraction.
Being on the scout team helped our defense. It also made me a better player. At one point, I thought about going home to clear my head. I almost stopped going to practice. I’m glad I didn’t do that because I wanted to be around the team. I did my part to help make the team better.
JM: When you did hit the field, you totaled 35 catches for 656 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games. You must have felt vindicated like yeah, I knew I could play at this level.
Tez Walker: Yeah, I definitely did. I’ve always believed that. I knew it was go time when I received clearance to play. My goal has always been to play professional football. I was willing to do whatever it took to get to this point.
JM: You did exactly that. You put forth an incredible performance at the NFL Combine. You ran a 4.36 40, had a 40.5-inch vertical, and had an 11-foot-2 broad. How would you grade your showing?
Tez Walker: I had a great showing. I would probably give it a “B.” The testing went well for me. I feel like I ran good routes as well during on-field position drills. There were a few routes I could have cleaned up. That’s why I’d give it a “B” or “B+.” There was room for improvement.
JM: Talk to me about the chemistry you had with Drake Maye. You guys were so electric this past season. The numbers speak for themselves.
Tez Walker: We really started building that chemistry from my first day on campus. We started building it right away. We went to practice together on my first day here. I feel like we had an instant connection.
I’ve never had a quarterback approach me and ask me how I wanted a ball placed. Drake Maye was the first one to do that. He actually asked me how I like his ball placement. That just shows the type of person he is. He wants his guys to have success.
From the receivers to the offensive line, it didn’t matter who it was, he wanted everybody to have just as much success as he had. We had that connection from our first day together. We’ve gotten really close. We got the ball rolling when I was cleared to play. It was awesome.
JM: Is he the best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Tez Walker: Yes, for sure he is.
JM: Does Tez Walker have a favorite route to run?
Tez Walker: Outside of a go ball, I’d definitely say the dig, the dagger. There’s a lot of different ways you can run a dig route. You can win with a dig route against any coverage. It doesn’t matter if it’s man coverage, Cover 2, or whatever.
The dig route is a route concept that is almost universally loved by all offensive coordinators. That’s why the dig route is my favorite route in the playbook.
JM: I love that. Do you have any 30 visits or virtual meetings coming up?
Tez Walker: I just completed a virtual meeting with the Tennessee Titans. I had meetings with the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles earlier this week. I spoke with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, and Las Vegas Raiders as well.
I have the Carolina Panthers scheduled as my first in-person visit. I’m from Charlotte. I believe I have the Bills, Jaguars, and Jets scheduled as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Tez Walker going to make at the next level?
Tez Walker: I’m going to make whatever impact necessary to get me on the field. I’m going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. I’ve always had that team-first mentality.
My ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl. I’ve never won a championship. A Super Bowl is my goal heading into the league.
At the end of the day, I want to see my name in Canton at the Hall of Fame someday.
