Devontez Walker eligibility the birthday gift Mom never knew she needed
All is well in the college football world at UNC.
After months of fighting Devontez Walker’s eligibility case, only to have it denied, the Tar Heels received a clear-cut sign.
On Thursday, Oct. 5, the NCAA ruled Walker eligible for the season’s remainder.
Everyone in Chapel Hill – players, coaches and fans alike – were elated to hear the news. Walker was trending on social media, with Tar Heel Nation voicing their support and relief of the NCAA’s decision.
There was no one more excited to hear the news than Walker himself, as the Kent State transfer had been staying in shape all season, with hopes the NCAA would make the right call soon.
The person most shocked to hear about Walker’s eligibility, however, was his mom. Walker called his grandma shortly after the ruling – grandma then told mom.
To make matters sweeter, Walker’s mom, Ivey Cody, is celebrating her birthday today.
Tez Walker's mother, Ivey Cody, celebrates her birthday today.
I called Walker's grandmother, Loretta Black, shortly after news of his eligibility broke today.
"This will be a beautiful birthday gift for her," Black said.@dailytarheel @dthsports https://t.co/OxR9cbFJ6I
— Shelby Swanson (she/her) (@shelbymswanson) October 5, 2023
Mom and grandma finally get the long-awaited chance to see their favorite Tar Heel suit up. They originally planned to see Walker, the North Carolina native who starred at West Charlotte High School, in the Duke’s Mayo Classic against South Carolina in Week 1.
Will Walker step into a starting role right away? His production would certainly be welcomed, as he caught 58 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns at Kent State last year, but J.J. Jones, Kobe Paysour and Nate McCollum have been shining in increased roles.
Walker and his UNC teammates welcome Syracuse to Kenan Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3:30 p.m. He’ll try to help Carolina extend its best start since 1997, while the Orange are hoping to knock off the undefeated Tar Heels.
In the meantime, I’m sure that Ivey Cody is having an amazing birthday. Her baby boy gets to finally play the game he’s worked so hard for all his life.
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