UNC Football solidifies backup quarterback situation

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Mack Brown of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks onto the field before the Belk College Kickoff game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Mack Brown of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks onto the field before the Belk College Kickoff game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Mack Brown and the UNC football program have used their spring practices to determine which quarterback will back up Drake Maye this season.

We all know that Drake Maye is the UNC football program’s starting quarterback heading into the 2023 season.

However, heading into spring practices, the question of who would serve as the team’s backup was one of the major things the program looked to figure out.

With Jacolby Criswell transferring, the Tar Heels needed to decide who would be next in line behind Maye. According to Mack Brown, they have solidified that hole.

While speaking to reporters, Brown confirmed that Conner Harrell is the “clear-cut No. 2 quarterback” for the Tar Heels. The redshirt freshman beat out true freshman Tad Hudson for the spot.

Brown complimented the development of Harrell, who struggled as the team prepared for its bowl game last December. He commended Harrell’s smarts and elusiveness to make plays on the run.

"“He’s gotten better and better this spring.”"

Not only is this decision important now, but could be even more noteworthy next offseason. With Maye expected to enter the NFL Draft after the season, the UNC football program will be looking for a new starter, a competition that Harrell may have an upper hand in winning.

Of course, we all want to enjoy Drake Maye for as long as we can, but this news is definitely important. You never know what could happen, but now we know that Harrell is next in line if the Tar Heels do need someone to step up at the quarterback position.

Next. UNC Basketball lands second transfer of off-season. dark

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC football news, updates, and recruiting.