Drake Maye reveals how he keeps focus on North Carolina amid NFL Draft hype

Drake Maye is keeping the main thing the main thing amid NFL Draft hype for 2024.

Many are already penciling in the North Carolina star quarterback atop their draft board for next season, only behind the reigning Heisman winner in USC star Caleb Williams. With a season to go in Chapel Hill before taking his talents to the NFL, Maye explained how he’s keeping his focus on the task at hand.

“I think just kind of you know, just keep in mind what got me here, keep that same work ethic,” Maye said, via Move the Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks. You know I was in a battle this time last year in camp, and I was in a battle. I had to bring it every day, just battling the guy. I just keep that same mindset. You know, set a plan … compete with myself. Find ways I can get better day-in and day-out. I think my new leadership role, I think is a big thing too. Having that year under my belt.

“Last year I was kind of trying to get the job, and now with a year under my belt, I’ve got a new role. Not only leadership of the offense, but the whole team. I look at that as a quarterback’s responsibility, to get these guys going and get them ready for South Carolina.”

Drake Maye may have a bright NFL future on the horizon, but at least one season remains for him at North Carolina. Luckily for Tar Heels faithful, he isn’t glossing over it, and new heights could be reached for the program under his leadership.

Drake Maye admits ending to 2022 season adds motivation for North Carolina

Continuing, the North Carolina Tar Heels led by quarterback Drake Maye caught a lot of people by surprise in 2022, especially on the offensive side of the ball. However, toward the end of the season, the wheels fell off and North Carolina went 0-4 in its final four games.

During the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff, Maye admitted that he’s using the end of last season for motivation heading into this one.

“Obviously the way we ended last year, lost a lot of close games,” Drake Maye said. “Any way you end the season like that, I use it as motivation. That’s all we talk about.”

North Carolina started 2022 at 9-1, rising to 13th in the College Football Playoff rankings. That was despite a struggling defense and thanks in large part to Maye making the offense explosive. However, an upset loss to Georgia Tech set the Tar Heels down a rocky path, losing to NC State, Clemson in the ACC Championship Game, and Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.

“We were 9-1 rolling into Georgia Tech, and we finished 9-5,” Maye said. “Just finding ways to use it as motivation, but at the same time get over that hump and look forward to this season. We’re excited. That’s our goal to get back to the ACC Championship. I don’t think Coach or any of the guys care who we play, just as long as we’re in it. So that’s the main goal. That’s what we’re working towards.”

Expectations are massive for Drake Maye in 2023. Not only is he expected to compete for the Heisman Trophy, but he’s also expected to be a first-round NFL Draft pick in the spring. Despite that, he is staying focused on the task at hand. 

“We have to start off on the right foot against South Carolina, and from there just go right ahead,” Maye said.