CHAPEL HILL, N.C. –– One wrong play in Minnesota changed everything for Jacolby Criswell.
North Carolina extended their win streak to 3-0 with a momentous 45-10 win over North Carolina Central University this past weekend.
However, the win came with a huge change at quarterback, as Criswell replaced starter Conner Harrell after the third series – a pre-scripted change that head coach Mack Brown revealed was made the Tuesday before the game.
“We decided during the week that we were going to put Jacolby in during the third series regardless,” Brown said. “He threw the ball, because we wanted to play both of them. Then he took it right down and scored and we weren’t going to take him out. We’re just trying to play more people because when you see a chance to play, you practice better.”
He came off the bench to complete 14-of-23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown compared to Harrell’s 2-of-6 for 22 yards.
Despite missing spring practice, Criswell displayed a higher level of poise and comfortability on Saturday than Harrell has so far this season, something that can more than likely be attributed to his veteran status within the program.
The circumstances he was dealt when he entered the game weren’t favorable. Harrell’s first drive ended in a near interception and a narrowly missed sack, however Criswell’s presence reignited UNC’s offense, giving the spark the Tar Heels needed.
“The way he handled himself was so good,” offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said. “He didn’t seem rushed, he seemed very comfortable and it was good to see that. I think that may be because he’s had to go through to get to where he’s at.”
He began his true freshman season in 2020 and backed up NFL quarterbacks Sam Howell and Drake Maye before transferring to Arkansas in search of a program where he could earn the starting job. In his lone season with the Razorbacks he appeared in just four games, eventually making the decision to return home.
When he first arrived back in Chapel Hill, Criswell was third string. He had to buy in and earn the starting spot. But the injury to Max Johnson and Conner Harrell’s early struggles accelerated his growth and have opened up a window of opportunity for the graduate quarterback.
“He’s really competing, he’s studying a lot more than he would have been as a third-team quarterback,” Brown said. “It’s changed his hope, his attitude and his projection completely and it’ll be fun to watch where he goes with that because this is the first time he’s ever had a chance.”
Criswell stepped up when it mattered and while Brown previously announced that the starting job was solely Harrell’s, he now believes that utilizing both gives the team the best chance to stack wins.
“His life has changed so much here in the last two weeks so he’s in a much different position now to prepare for this week than he was last week.”
The Tar Heels will host James Madison University at noon in Kenan Stadium for their final non-conference game of the season before beginning their ACC slate on Sept. 28.