Drake Maye talks about competition with brothers, bragging rights

As the youngest of four brothers, current North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye was often the instigator — something he readily admits now. From scuffles to competing in footraces, competition among the Maye brothers has always been intense.

And it’s never really stopped with Cole Maye winning a national championship playing baseball at Florida and Luke Maye winning one playing basketball at North Carolina. For the youngest Maye, that’s the ultimate trump card.

“That’s the kind of comeback they go to and you really can’t say much in retaliation to that. They’ve got the ultimate beater. ‘I’m a national champion.’ You can’t say much to that,” Maye said, chuckling.

Maye has a chance to boost his credentials when the Tar Heels play Clemson in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday evening. It’s not quite on the same tier as a national championship, but a title is a title.

Plus, getting a championship ring in any regard is some nice physical proof.

“I think team success, at the end of the day, is what kind of in the family we brag about. So I think ACC Championship, that’s a pretty big deal. I’m not sure, do we get a ring for ACC Championship?” Maye said, turning to a UNC staffer for an answer. “Yeah you get a ring, so, that’d be something. At least have some proof to show it. Yeah Luke and Cole, they got that ring so that holds some weight, especially a national championship ring.”

In any regard, Maye will keep on challenging his brothers, always the instigator younger brother.

Plus, he might win a championship or two during his career.

“Sometimes that’d end up kind of backlashing on me, they’ll kind of put me in my place,” Maye said. “But at the same time, it’s kind of grown me into who I am. Testing the waters and just having fun with it and trying to keep it light but at the time, throwing some jabs here and there. It’s fun.”