CHAPEL HILL, N.C. –– With North Carolina’s kickoff against Minnesota less than three weeks away, the Tar Heels have yet to solidify who their starting quarterback will be.
The program has three options in Conner Harrell, Max Johnson and Jacolby Criswell – who have all been getting reps at the one since camp began on July 30th.
Head coach Mack Brown said yesterday that he and the offensive personnel are “not ready to make a decision” on who the starting guy will be because all of the guys maintain different components of a good quarterback.
Brown emphasized the evenly matched talent, noting that a clear separation could determine a single starter, but a dual-quarterback system still remains a possibility.
“We will not play two quarterbacks if someone separates themselves as the best option, we will if we can’t tell by gameday,” he said.
Former SEC standout, Max Johnson, brings a proven track record and two years of eligibility remaining. A four year veteran, Johnson has totaled 5,852 yards and 47 touchdowns against some elite competition.
Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey highlighted that while Johnson has the experience, he still needs to adjust to a new scheme.
“He needs to work on pocket presence and be able to understand where his drop needs to be,” Lindsey said.
“Here at Carolina with our offense, he’s not the most experienced,” he continued. “Anytime you change schools, terminologies are different, some concepts too. Conner has that advantage for sure.”
Harrell, who has dreamed of starting at quarterback since arriving at Chapel Hill, had to wait for his turn to come for two years after sitting behind dual-threat phenom Drake Maye. Maye was drafted to the Patriots as the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Prior to Lindsey’s arrival Harrell saw relatively no field time, only making his first career start against Virginia in Duke’s Mayo Bowl. In that game he went 22-of-33 for 270 yards and two touchdowns, including a score on the ground. While it was just a brief glimpse, with improved accuracy and mechanics, he’s poised to make a serious push for the starting job.
“Conner is a much more accurate thrower now,” Lindsey said of Conner’s improvement over the summer. “The work he’s put in to get his body in the right position every time he throws is great. He has a great arm, but sometimes his body gets out of whack. We’ve told him to stay back and balanced and I think it’s
paid off.”
Months later, Harrell’s long-awaited opportunity to lead the Tar Heels is now within reach.
He now has his work cut out for him against Johnson who has 22 career starts to his name. Conner’s speed and knowledge of Lindsey’s offense gives him the upper hand, but it’s also worth noting his tenacity as a football player.
He could have left as the Tar Heels were secure under Maye and his brilliance for a couple years, but he decided to stay and wait his turn.
“I like that he’s really pushed himself to improve and not stay the same, he’s a great kid,” Lindsey said. ”Now, it’s time to see whether he can do what Coach Brown is looking for—someone who is ready to separate themselves from the trio.
Which finally brings me to Jacolby Criswell, who began his career at North Carolina. After announcing his return to Carolina in April, Criswell is the final piece of this competition after playing at Arkansas for the 2023 season. While there he was once again a reserve, appearing in just four games – throwing 143 yards and three touchdowns.
Like Harrell, this isn’t Criswell’s first time competing for the spot as he lost it to Maye ahead of the 2022 season. Criswell stated that he wanted to return home and be around the guys he’s most comfortable with.
According to Coach Brown, Criswell is slightly behind Johnson and Harrell since he missed spring ball, but he’s been doing his due diligence in terms of learning Lindsey’s philosophy.
The Tar Heels are chasing a 10-win season, a rarity in the 21st century for the program with only 2015 as a precedent. And a feat that hinges on strong quarterback play.
With the season opener looming and the competition intensifying, the Tar Heels have a trio of options vying for the role and the ultimate decision will come down to who can consistently deliver in high-pressure situations and most importantly, win games.
“Really all three of those guys are talented enough and eager learners,” Lindsey said. “I’m excited to have guys like that in the room. The competition is looking really good.”
UNC Continues to Shine into the Final Stretch