CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — Max Johnson’s injury in North Carolina’s season opener has left the quarterback position somewhat depleted for the Tar Heels.
Connor Harrell stepped into the starting role after Johnson’s injury, but now he faces competition from Jacolby Criswell. Regardless of whether it’s Harrell or Criswell, North Carolina is currently lacking experience at the crucial quarterback position.
“We’re very inexperienced at quarterback, and we need to do a great job of coaching those two guys while focusing on their strengths,” head coach Mack Brown said.
As the team prepares for Saturday’s game against North Carolina Central, Brown plans to play Criswell during the third offensive series, a strategy likely to continue regardless of who starts. “The player who moves the ball and scores will stay in; if someone struggles, we can make a change,” Brown explained.
Brown did not reveal on Monday who will start against James Madison on Saturday. Both quarterbacks will receive equal snaps in practice this week, and the best performer will be chosen. However, one thing is clear: unlike the days of Sam Howell or Drake Maye leading the Tar Heels, this year’s team will rely on a collective effort at quarterback.
“We can’t commit to just one player,” Brown said. “We need both of them to contribute. They have different styles, and we must do a better job of utilizing their strengths moving forward.”
A few years ago, Criswell competed directly with Maye for the starting position. Now, after spending a year at Arkansas, Criswell returns with a significant opportunity to become the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback. “He has a genuine chance to step up and make an impact on this team for the first time,” Brown noted.
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