Drake Maye has quickly emerged as one of football’s most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks, blending elite passing accuracy with elite rushing ability. Selected third overall by the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, the 6’4”, 230-pound phenom dominated at the University of North Carolina (UNC), not only shattering school records with 4,321 passing yards and 38 touchdowns in his debut season but also racking up 698 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns—a testament to his versatility.
While Maye’s arm talent draws comparisons to stars like Josh Allen and Justin Herbert, it’s his ground game that sets him apart. During his UNC career, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry, using his size and agility to extend plays and punish defenses. Now, as an NFL rookie, Maye’s rushing stats are already turning heads: through Week 3 of the 2024 season, he’s tallied 184 rushing yards and 1 touchdown, proving his dual-threat capability translates to the pros.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Drake Maye’s rushing stats, analyzing his college dominance at UNC, his early NFL performance, and how his mobility stacks up against other rookie quarterbacks. We’ll also break down key plays, scouting reports, and why coaches believe his “football IQ” and rushing instincts could redefine the Patriots’ offense.
Early Life and Background: The Athletic Roots Behind Drake Maye’s Dual-Threat Talent
Drake Maye was born on November 12, 2002, in Huntersville, North Carolina, into a family where athleticism and competition were second nature. The youngest of four brothers, Drake grew up in a household that prized sports excellence—a foundation that would later shape his dual-threat quarterback skills, including his underrated rushing ability.
His father, Mark Maye, was a standout quarterback at the University of North Carolina (UNC) in the 1980s, while his mother, Aimee, was a high school basketball star. This lineage of agility and strategic thinking translated to Drake’s siblings:
- Luke Maye: UNC basketball legend and 2017 NCAA champion.
- Cole Maye: University of Florida baseball standout.
- Beau Maye: UNC basketball walk-on.
Growing up, Drake didn’t just inherit his family’s competitive drive—he honed the footwork and vision that would make him a dynamic scrambler. Competing daily with his brothers in backyard football and basketball games sharpened his agility, balance, and instinct to evade pressure—traits that later defined his college and NFL rushing stats.
High School Development: Building a Dual-Threat Foundation
At Myers Park High School in Charlotte, Drake emerged as a top quarterback prospect, but his rushing potential was already evident. While he dazzled with his arm (throwing for 6,713 yards and 86 touchdowns), he also racked up 1,063 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns over his high school career—a precursor to his college and pro ground-game success.
This blend of passing precision and mobility earned him accolades like North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year and paved his path to UNC.
From Family Lessons to College Dominance
The Maye family’s emphasis on versatility and adaptability stuck with Drake. At UNC, he didn’t just break passing records (4,321 yards, 38 TDs in 2022)—he also showcased his rushing skills, tallying 698 yards and 7 touchdowns in two seasons. Scouts noted his ability to extend plays with his legs, a skill rooted in those backyard battles with his brothers.
Drake Maye’s Rushing Stats: UNC vs. NFL Breakdown
While Drake Maye is widely recognized for his arm talent, his rushing ability adds a dynamic edge to his game. Below, we break down his college and NFL rushing stats to highlight his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
Drake Maye’s Rushing Stats Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of Maye’s rushing performance at UNC (2022–2023) and his rookie NFL season (2024):
| Stat | UNC (2022–2023) | NFL (2024 Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Attempts | 145 | 42 |
| Rushing Yards | 698 | 184 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 7 | 1 |
| Yards Per Carry | 4.8 | 4.4 |
Sources: ESPN, Pro Football Reference
Athletic achievements of Drake Maye
Maye led his team to a state championship game and threw for over 3,500 yards in his senior season, earning the title of conference player of the year. His impressive high school performance set the stage for his transition to college football at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where he continued to excel.
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| High School | |
| School | Myers Park High School, Charlotte, NC |
| Senior Season Passing Yards | Over 3,500 yards |
| Senior Season Touchdowns | 42 touchdowns |
| Honors | Conference Player of the Year |
| College | |
| College | University of North Carolina (UNC) |
| Starting Year | 2022 |
| Passing Yards (2022) | 4,321 yards |
| Touchdowns (2022) | 38 touchdowns |
| Rushing Yards (2022) | 698 rushing yards |
| Rushing Touchdowns (2022) | 7 touchdowns |
| Overall Passing Yards | 8,018 yards (career total) |
| Overall Touchdowns | 63 touchdowns (career total) |
| Awards | ACC Player of the Year, Semifinalist for Davey O’Brien Award and Maxwell Award |
At UNC, Maye’s athletic achievements reached new heights. He became the starting quarterback in 2022 and had a breakout season, leading the Tar Heels to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the ACC Championship Game.
He set school records with 4,321 passing yards and 38 touchdown passes while also contributing significantly on the ground with 698 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
ACC Player of the Year award and recognition as a semifinalist for prestigious honors such as the Davey O’Brien Award and the Maxwell Award. By the end of his college career, Maye ranked fifth in passing yards (8,018) and fourth in passing touchdowns (63) in UNC history.
Academic accomplishments of Drake Maye
Drake Maye has achieved a lot academically while playing football at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Along with his success on the field, he was honored for his academic efforts by being named to the All-ACC Academic Team in 2023. This shows how hard he worked to balance both school and sports, excelling in both areas.
Throughout college, Drake not only stood out as a quarterback but also showed leadership and dedication, earning recognition from many organizations. In 2022, he was named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year, proving his excellence in both academics and athletics. Despite the challenges of being a student-athlete, he maintained strong grades while leading the NCAA in total offense and setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns.
Drake Maye’s impact on his community
Drake Maye’s impact on his community is still growing, but his background shows he has the potential to do great things in the future. Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a sports-loving family, Drake learned the importance of community and leadership. His dad, Mark Maye, was also a quarterback at UNC, and his brothers have made their mark in sports, too.
While Drake doesn’t currently run any foundations or programs, he has the chance to use his status as a pro athlete to make a big difference. Many NFL players host football camps for young athletes, offering both training and mentorship, and Drake could follow a similar path. He might also support causes like youth sports, education, or healthcare in the future.
Impressive statistics of Drake Maye
Drake Maye’s impressive statistics during his college football career at the University of North Carolina highlight his exceptional talent and performance as a quarterback. In his standout season in 2022, Maye completed 66.2% of his passes, totaling a school-record 4,321 passing yards and throwing 38 touchdown passes against just 7 interceptions.
| Category | 2022 Season | 2023 Season | Career Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completion Percentage | 66.2% | 63.3% | N/A |
| Passing Yards | 4,321 yards | 3,608 yards | 8,018 yards |
| Touchdowns | 38 touchdowns | 24 touchdowns | 63 touchdowns |
| Interceptions | 7 interceptions | 9 interceptions | N/A |
| Rushing Yards | 698 yards | 449 yards | N/A |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 7 touchdowns | 9 touchdowns | N/A |
| Games Played | 13 games | 12 games | 25 games |
In 2023, although his numbers dipped slightly, Maye still demonstrated strong performance with a completion rate of 63.3%, accumulating 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdown passes, and 9 interceptions. He also contributed on the ground with 449 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns on 112 attempts.
Over his college career, he finished with a total of 8,018 passing yards and 63 touchdown passes, ranking fifth in UNC history for passing yards and fourth for touchdown passes. His remarkable statistics not only reflect his individual skill but also position him as a top prospect for the NFL Draft, where he was selected third overall by the New England Patriots in 2024.
Comparisons to other notable athletes
Drake Maye, the star quarterback from the University of North Carolina, is being compared to some big names in the NFL as he gets ready for the draft. These comparisons highlight what he does well and what he can work on to improve.
Carson Palmer
Drake Maye has been compared to Carson Palmer, a former Pro Bowl quarterback known for his strong arm and athletic ability. Both Maye and Palmer are similar in size—around 6’5″ and 230 pounds—and are fast for their size, running the 40-yard dash in about 4.60 seconds. Palmer had a great NFL career, throwing for over 46,000 yards and nearly 300 touchdowns. This comparison suggests that Maye has the potential to achieve similar success if he reaches his full potential.
Josh Allen
Some people also see Josh Allen in Maye, although they say Maye is “just a step down” in some areas. Like Allen, Maye is known for his athleticism and ability to make big plays. Both quarterbacks had ups and downs in college, but their physical abilities and competitive spirit give them a good chance to succeed in the NFL.
Russell Wilson and Jalen Hurts
Maye has also been compared to Russell Wilson and Jalen Hurts because all three can escape pressure and make plays while on the run. They all have a scrambling rate above 7%, with completion rates over 60%. Maye’s bigger size (6’4″, 223 lbs) may give him an edge in staying durable compared to Wilson and Hurts. However, one area where Maye has struggled is against man coverage, which is something NFL defenses use often.
Maye can run and throw with accuracy, making him a dual-threat quarterback. His height and weight make him tough and durable on the field. His ability to make plays under pressure is similar to NFL stars like Allen and Hurts.
What are Drake Maye’s career rushing stats?
Drake Maye’s career rushing stats:
- College (UNC): 145 attempts, 698 yards, 7 TDs, 4.8 YPC
- NFL (2024): 42 attempts, 184 yards, 1 TD, 4.4 YPC
Conclusion and final thoughts
Drake Maye is an exciting young player with a lot of potential. If he gets the right coaching and keeps improving, he could have a long and successful career in the NFL, much like the top quarterbacks he’s being compared to. The next season will be key in showing how far he’s come and proving that he belongs among the best quarterback prospects.
