We all knew this was coming
In a move that everyone expected but didn’t want to admit, Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky has declared his intention to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. After just one season as the team’s leading man, Trubisky was rated highly on every draft board, prospect list, and breakdown. He showed just enough skill, composure, and potential to give pro football teams a glimpse at what he could offer them.
For much of the 2016 football season, Trubisky was considered to be the best quarterback in the nation. For a time, he even entered the Heisman Trophy conversation. He ranked within the top 10 in pass completions, pass completion percentage, and passing yards. He leaves Chapel Hill throwing 386 completions at a 67.5% completion rate. He average 8.4 yards per attempt, connected for 30 touchdowns with just six interceptions to his name.
After weeks of speculation, Trubisky announced his intentions in a farewell letter to North Carolina at The Players’ Tribune.
With his departure, he leaves a football team with a lot of new holes. The graduation of wide receivers Ryan Switzer, Mack Hollins, Bug Howard, and running back T.J. Logan had stripped the UNC offense of much of its potency. Fellow junior Elijah Hood changing course and declaring for the draft just proved how little incentive Trubisky really had to stay. Coach Larry Fedora will have his hands full trying to figure out who will take over as the team’s starting quarterback next season.
As sad as it is to see him go, we wish him all the luck in the world.