Drake Maye reveals he started learning of UNC-NC State rivalry 'right out of the womb'
Most times, rivalries have to be explained to players joining the program. Maybe they are not from the area or did not watch college football as a kid. But there are always a few players who grew up with it, with North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye being one of them.
Heading into Saturday’s game against NC State, Maye admitted the rivalry was brought to his attention “right out the womb.” While the state of North Carolina might have a deep passion for basketball, the football side was important to Maye’s family growing up.
“Kind of instilled early on in my days as a youngin,” Maye said. “Wearing the Tar Heel jersey with the Tar Heel imprint. So, kind of right out the womb. Our parents — we always tuned into North Carolina State and football.”
Maye is likely off to the NFL after this season, projected to be one of the top two picks. He has faced NC State just once to this point, coming up on the wrong side last year. Saturday most likely will be his final opportunity to get a win over the Wolfpack.
Both teams are 8-3 heading into the contest and still have the opportunity to win 10 games. Getting a rivalry win and then performing well in a bowl game would get the job done.
Maye has done a lot during his time in Chapel Hill, most notably getting the program to an ACC Championship game for the second time ever. But nothing would be sweeter than taking down NC State and ending his college career on a high note.
Prior words from Drake Maye shows how well-versed he is in rivalry
This time last year, Maye’s comments about facing NC State were a whole lot spicier. He believes everyone in the state really cheers for the Tar Heels and then when it comes time to make a decision about college attendance — that’s when NC State fans are born.
“Whether you want to admit it or not, growing up in Carolina, you’re going to be a Carolina fan,” Maye said. “And you know, some people may say State, but really people who go to State just can’t get into Carolina. At the end of the day, playing for Carolina is a thing a lot of people from North Carolina want to do.”
Heading into this season, Maye was asked about his comments made about NC State. He admitted they were not the smartest but it was not something he fully regretted. Based on his pregame media availability on Monday, Maye has learned from the mistake and is not throwing direct shade.
“It wasn’t my smartest move,” Maye said on the Move The Sticks Podcast. “Just growing up, the Carolina fan inside of me. You’re arguing with a friend at school or something, that’s what you say. It wasn’t my smartest move… I wouldn’t say I regret it, just have to be smarter with words in the media.”