Mack Brown reflects on challenge of keeping Drake Maye at North Carolina

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye was one of the most valuable targets in the country this offseason. Nonetheless, the sophomore will suit up for the Tar Heels again next season.

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown discussed the process of fending off outsiders from his coveted quarterback during “The Paul Finebaum Show” on Thursday. When Finebaum commented Brown could write a book on what he saw this offseason, the 71-year-old coach delivered a hilarious response.

“I’d probably need some people to die before I write the book. I’d be sued by people if I couldn’t prove it,” Brown said. “You’ve got recruit guys that want to be at your school and aren’t going to take $50,000, $100,000, $500,000 to go somewhere else because they grew up wanting to come to your school.”

Conversations with @CoachMackBrown are always enlightening and entertaining, few in his position speak as frankly about the state of College Football today, worth checking out the entire interview: pic.twitter.com/R1BN46hVIo

— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) June 22, 2023

Maye is a member of this rare breed. The 6-foot-4 quarterback grew up in Huntersville, N.C., going to high school just 14 miles away from UNC’s campus. Maye made the most of his opportunity in the Carolina Blue.

Last season, Maye was selected ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year; one of only two players to ever sweep all four awards, along with Jameis Winston.

Maye earned the acclaim. In 14 games, Maye completed 342-of-517 passes (66.2%) for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns, while rushing for 698 yards and seven touchdowns. His 157.9 passer rating is tied for fifth on UNC’s single-season list, while his 66.2 completion percentage ranks sixth all-time.

Maye’s historic season made him a top target for agents looking for a pay day.

“We talk a lot about NIL, we talk a lot about the transfer portal, we don’t talk a lot about agents, Paul. Now, agents are the ones that are making contact with all the different people and, because of that, you really can’t pinpoint exact prices people are offering,” Brown said.

Maye surely hauled in hefty offers. The ACC star boasts a $1.5 million On3 NIL valuation, the fifth-highest in NCAA Football. Whether those offers were through legal channels or not, they won’t be coming in any longer. Maye is locked in as QB1 at North Carolina for the 2023 season and Brown couldn’t be happier.

“Recruiting just changed. Your pool shrunk. You got to get guys that want to be there, guys that want to stay there and guys that won’t leave, and Drake Maye was all of the above.”