What Were Drake Maye's Stats In College? A Deep Dive Into His UNC Career
When folks talk about top football prospects, especially quarterbacks, one of the first things that comes up is their college performance. People want to know the numbers, the big plays, and how they handled the pressure. Drake Maye, a standout from the University of North Carolina, certainly gave fans plenty to talk about during his time there, and many are curious about his actual college stats. It's almost as if everyone wants to understand the foundation he built before stepping onto the professional stage.
His journey at Chapel Hill was pretty captivating, seeing him grow from a promising young player into a true leader on the field. He became the face of the Tar Heel offense, throwing for a lot of yards and scoring many touchdowns. This article will break down his college statistics, giving you a clear picture of his time with the Tar Heels, so you can see the full scope of his achievements.
We'll look at the key moments and the overall picture of his college career, highlighting the numbers that really tell his story. It’s important to see these figures to appreciate the kind of player he became. You know, these stats are often the first thing scouts look at, so they really do matter a lot.
Table of Contents
- Drake Maye: A Brief Look at His College Journey
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- Drake Maye's College Stats Breakdown: Year by Year
- Key Statistical Highlights and What They Mean
- Comparing Maye's College Production
- Frequently Asked Questions About Drake Maye's College Stats
- Looking Ahead: The NFL Horizon
Drake Maye: A Brief Look at His College Journey
A Brief Look at His College Journey
Drake Maye arrived at the University of North Carolina with a lot of excitement surrounding him. He was a highly rated recruit, and people had high hopes for what he could achieve. His first year, 2021, was a bit of a learning experience, as he mostly watched from the sidelines, gaining knowledge from the starting quarterback.
Then, in 2022, he really stepped into the spotlight. He became the main man under center, and his performance that season turned heads across the country. He showed everyone what he could do, leading the offense with a lot of skill. That was a pretty big year for him, you know, really putting his name out there.
His final college season in 2023 saw him continue to perform at a high level, even with some changes around him. He showed consistency and resilience, proving his ability to handle different situations. He certainly left a lasting mark on the UNC football program, that's for sure.
Personal Details and Bio Data
To give you a clearer picture of the player, here are some personal details about Drake Maye during his college days.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Drake Maye |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Height | Around 6'4" |
| Weight | Around 220-230 lbs |
| Hometown | Huntersville, North Carolina |
| Years Played | 2021-2023 |
Drake Maye's College Stats Breakdown: Year by Year
Now, let's get into the heart of the matter: Drake Maye's actual statistics from his time at North Carolina. These numbers paint a very clear picture of his growth and his impact on the team. It’s interesting to see how they changed over his years there, too.
2021 Season: A Glimpse
His first year at UNC was mostly spent learning and preparing. He saw limited action, but it gave him a taste of college football. He was, in a way, just getting his feet wet during this time. Here’s a quick look at his very early numbers.
| Season | Games Played | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 70.0% | 89 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
As you can tell, these are pretty modest numbers, reflecting his role as a backup. He made the most of his few chances, showing a bit of what was to come, but this was certainly just a preview.
2022 Season: The Breakout Year
The 2022 season was when Drake Maye really took off. He became the full-time starter and quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. This was the year he showed his true potential, and the numbers absolutely reflect that. He was, you know, just everywhere on the field.
| Season | Games Played | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 342 | 517 | 66.2% | 4,321 | 38 | 7 | 184 | 698 | 7 |
His passing yardage was among the highest in the nation, and his touchdown total was truly impressive. He also showed a significant ability to run the ball, adding another dimension to his game. The fact that he ran for nearly 700 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns really highlights his dual-threat capabilities. This season was, in some respects, a masterclass in quarterback play.
The completion percentage of 66.2% shows a good level of accuracy, especially considering the volume of passes he threw. His seven interceptions, while not zero, were relatively low for the number of attempts and the aggressive nature of the offense. He demonstrated a very good feel for the game, often making smart decisions under pressure. That, too, is a big part of what makes a top quarterback.
2023 Season: Solidifying His Standing
Following his incredible 2022 campaign, Maye entered the 2023 season with very high expectations. He continued to be a strong performer, even as the team faced some challenges. He showed consistency, which is a very important quality for a quarterback. It’s clear he was still performing at a high level.
| Season | Games Played | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 269 | 425 | 63.3% | 3,608 | 24 | 9 | 112 | 449 | 9 |
While his passing yards and touchdowns were a bit lower than in 2022, it's worth noting he played two fewer games. His completion percentage remained solid, showing he could still deliver accurate throws. His rushing touchdowns actually went up, indicating his continued threat as a runner near the goal line. He was, in a way, just as effective in different aspects of the game.
The increase in interceptions to nine in fewer games suggests he might have taken a few more risks, or perhaps the circumstances around him were a little different. Even so, his overall production remained very high, cementing his status as a top-tier college quarterback. He really did show a lot of grit, too.
Key Statistical Highlights and What They Mean
Looking at the raw numbers is one thing, but understanding what they tell us about Drake Maye as a player is another. These stats highlight his strengths and give us clues about his style of play. It’s pretty interesting to break them down, you know.
Passing Yards and Touchdowns
Over his two main seasons as a starter (2022 and 2023), Drake Maye accumulated an impressive total of 7,929 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns. These are big numbers for any college quarterback, especially in just 26 starts. This volume of production shows his ability to move the ball downfield consistently and find the end zone. He was, like, a real threat with his arm.
His high touchdown count demonstrates his effectiveness in the red zone and his knack for creating scoring opportunities. It also speaks to his arm talent and the trust his coaches had in him to make big plays. You know, that's a sign of a very good quarterback.
Completion Percentage and Efficiency
Maye's completion percentages of 66.2% (2022) and 63.3% (2023) are quite respectable. These numbers indicate that he generally threw with good accuracy and touch. He wasn't just airing it out; he was hitting his targets pretty consistently. This is a sign of a quarterback who can deliver the ball where it needs to go, even in tight windows. That, in fact, is a really important skill.
While the percentage dipped slightly in 2023, it still reflects a quarterback who can complete a high volume of passes. His efficiency was also often tied to his ability to extend plays and find open receivers, which isn't always captured by a simple completion percentage. He was, in a way, making plays even when things broke down.
Rushing Contributions
One aspect of Maye's game that often gets highlighted is his ability to run the ball. With 698 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in 2022, and 449 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns in 2023, he was a genuine dual threat. His total of 1,153 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns over his two starting seasons is significant. He wasn't just a statue in the pocket, you know.
These rushing numbers show his athleticism and willingness to pick up yards with his legs, whether on designed runs or by scrambling when plays broke down. This adds a layer of complexity for defenses and gives him another way to impact the game. That, too, makes him a very versatile player.
Interceptions and Decision Making
Across his two main seasons, Maye threw a total of 16 interceptions (7 in 2022, 9 in 2023). While every quarterback throws picks, analyzing the context is important. Some were perhaps due to aggressive throws into tight coverage, trying to make a big play. Others might have been a result of pressure or miscommunication. He was, in a way, still learning and growing.
The increase in 2023, even with fewer games, is something to consider. However, it's also true that top quarterbacks sometimes take calculated risks. His overall touchdown-to-interception ratio (62 TDs to 16 INTs) is still very favorable, showing that the big plays far outweighed the turnovers. He generally made good choices, you know, but sometimes things happen.
Comparing Maye's College Production
When you look at Drake Maye's college stats, they stand up very well against many of the top quarterbacks who have come through the college ranks in recent years. His combination of high passing yardage, numerous touchdowns, and significant rushing contributions puts him in a pretty elite group. He was, in a way, performing at a very high level consistently.
He showed a complete skill set that is highly valued in today's football. The numbers tell a story of a player who could lead an offense, make plays with both his arm and his legs, and handle the demands of being a starting quarterback in a major conference. You can learn more about college football prospects on our site, which might give you more context.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drake Maye's College Stats
People often have specific questions about Drake Maye's college performance. Here are a few common ones, with straightforward answers.
How many seasons did Drake Maye play at UNC?
Drake Maye played for three seasons at the University of North Carolina. His main contributions came in his sophomore and junior years, 2022 and 2023, when he was the starting quarterback. His freshman year in 2021 saw very limited action, as he was a backup.
What was Drake Maye's best statistical season?
Statistically, Drake Maye's 2022 season was his most productive. He threw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns, both career highs. He also rushed for 698 yards and 7 touchdowns that year, making it a truly remarkable all-around performance. It was, arguably, his breakout year.
Did Drake Maye improve his stats every year?
Not in every single category. While his 2022 season was his peak in terms of passing yards and touchdowns, his rushing touchdowns actually increased in 2023. His completion percentage and passing yards were a bit lower in 2023, partly because he played two fewer games. So, it was more about consistent high-level play rather than constant statistical improvement across the board. You know, sometimes stats can vary a little.
Looking Ahead: The NFL Horizon
Drake Maye's college stats provide a solid foundation for evaluating his potential at the next level. His time at North Carolina showcased his arm talent, his ability to extend plays, and his overall leadership qualities. The numbers speak for themselves, really. He demonstrated he can handle the pressure and deliver big performances.
As he moves on to the professional game, teams will look at these college numbers as a key indicator of what he might bring to their offense. His passing volume, touchdown efficiency, and rushing contributions all point to a very dynamic player. It will be interesting to see how his skills translate to the NFL. You can also learn more about how college stats impact NFL draft decisions on our site.
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