Tez Walker explains why he 'threw down the U' after third touchdown

Tez Walker had one of the best games of his career and it was extra sweet as North Carolina knocked off Miami at home.

After his third touchdown reception, Walker strolled to the back of the end zone and held up the Miami “U” and flipped it down. Similar to a “Horns Down” celebration, Walker earned it after his performance.

He explained why he celebrated his touchdown in the face of Miami.

Drake Maye to Tez Walker for the 3rd time! TD UNC pic.twitter.com/TCJgJN9pPz

— Tar Heel Tapes (@TarHeelTapes) October 15, 2023

“Yeah it is, I mean, growing up you hear about Miami,” Walker said. “You see teams plying them all over throwing the U down so seeing it in front of my face, might as well. They were a little chippy too, so.”

In the 41-31 win, Walker was the go-to target for quarterback Drake Maye. Walker reeled in six catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns.

“I just wanted to tell everybody thank you, and I’m blessed. I’m blessed to have everyone in my corner, and I really appreciate it,” Walker said.

Mack Brown ‘cried’ after getting Tez Walker eligible

North Carolina coach Mack Brown couldn’t help but get emotional when he received word that Tez Walker was granted eligibility. Walker sat out the first four games of action after the NCAA declared him ineligible due to transferring multiple times in his career.

However, after previously denying the Tar Heels’ appeal of that decision, the NCAA reversed course and granted him eligibility on Thursday in light of “new information.” It was a long time coming for the Kent State transfer, who came to Chapel Hill to be closer to his family and grandmother, who is battling illness and had never seen him play in college.

That changed Saturday, as Walker made his debut in the powder blue in front of several members of his family against Syracuse. Walker carried the flag as he led the team out of the tunnel, and Brown described the emotions of the days leading up to that game.

“I sat there and cried,” the coach said. “What a dream for that kid. I get emotional talking about it here. He has 12 people from his family on the field after the game taking pictures. That was a life’s dream for that kid.”

When Brown first received the news, he wasn’t sure exactly how Walker would factor into North Carolina’s game plan. There were only two days until kickoff, and the receiver had been practicing with the scout team.

Justin Rudolph contributed to this report