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WATCH: Former star UNC quarterback Drake Maye scores first NFL touchdown

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The UNC football team was no stranger to Drake Maye touchdowns over the past two seasons, with the former star quarterback scoring 79 times during his Tar Heel career.

On Thursday, August 15, Maye scored his first NFL touchdown. In the New England Patriots' Week 2 Preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Maye gave his team a 9-3 lead with time winding down in the second quarter, keeping the football and scoring on a read option.

New England's scoring drive was the first extended preseason action for Maye, who only played one drive in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Through the first half of Patriots-Eagles, Maye completed 5-of-7 passes for a New England-best 47 passing yards. Maye showcased his running abilities, too, carrying the ball twice for 10 yards, and his late second-quarter score.

Compare Maye's first-half to projected starter Jacoby Brissett, who completed 3-of-7 passes for 17 yards and an interception. Maye has already looked more impressive than Brissett through two games, though he lacks NFL experience.

If Drake Maye continues to shine this preseason, his head coach, Jerod Mayo, will have a tough decision to make when it comes to starting quarterback.

This is Maye's second time playing against an NFL defense, which – despite not playing against a ton of starters, professional football players are significantly more challenging than college stars.

Where will Maye end up on New England's depth chart as we head into the NFL Regular Season?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : WATCH: Former star UNC quarterback Drake Maye scores first NFL touchdown