UNC Football: 2024 Positional Preview- Quarterback
A quarterback battle is brewing in Chapel Hill.
The Drake Maye era for the UNC football program is officially over, as Mack Brown and the Tar Heels must find their new starting quarterback for the 2024 season and potentially beyond.
Three quarterbacks are making their case to be the starter on opening night, but this competition may ultimately be a two-man race. Regardless, Brown and his staff have a lot to evaluate over the next few weeks, as the hope is that one of these talented quarterbacks will emerge as the clear-cut starter for this year's team.
What We Know
What we know at this point is that there is uncertainty at this very important position.
Although there was a legitimate competition for the job when Drake Maye became the starter, we haven't seen this type of uncertainty at the quarterback spot for a few years now.
No disrespect to Jacolby Criswell, who, ironically, is in this quarterback competition as well, but it was always presumed that Maye would take over as the program's starter once Sam Howell went to the NFL.
Even though we'll have to wait and see what the UNC football program's game plan is, it's good to know that there is plenty of talent to work with in this particular group.
The Key Players
Max Johnson
If prior experience plays a factor into this decision, Max Johnson has a very clear advantage.
Johnson, a transfer addition this offseason, comes to Chapel Hill with plenty of college experience under his belt, especially in the gauntlet of the SEC. The left-hander, the son of former NFL Super Bowl Champion Brad Johnson, began his career at LSU before spending each of the last two seasons at Texas A&M.
His best season came during his sophomore campaign at LSU when he started all 12 games for the Tigers. He completed 60.3% of his passes for 2,814 yards and 27 TDs, and the UNC football program is hopeful that they can get him back to that form in their offense, which tends to bring out the best in quarterbacks.
2023 Stats (8 Games Played): 118-190 passing, 1,452 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Conner Harrell
Although he's listed as a redshirt sophomore, this will be the third season that Harrell has been with the UNC football program.
The Alabaster, Alabama native served as Drake Maye's backup last season, as he was able to earn his first college game experience in the process. He appeared in five games, making his first start against West Virginia in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, as he showcased what he's able to bring to the table with both his arm and his legs.
In that game, Harrell went 22-33 for 270 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also added 75 rushing yards and an additional score on the ground, as he's a dual-threat quarterback who will benefit from the experience he gained a season ago.
While Johnson has the edge in terms of experience, Harrell definitely has the upper hand when it comes to athleticism and arm talent. Harrell has the ability to make all the throws, especially deep down the field, as his arm strength was well on display in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. In addition, Harrell might just be the Tar Heels' best running quarterback in some time. Sure, Sam Howell and Drake Maye could run, but Harrell has the ability to be a lethal weapon in the read option, an area that can help open up opportunities to throw down the field.
2023 Stats (5 Games Played): 22-33 passing, 270 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
22 rushing attempts, 75 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown
Jacolby Criswell
Welcome back, old friend!
After transferring to Arkansas for a season, Jacolby Criswell returns to the UNC football program in hopes of competing for some playing time.
While it may be difficult, given when he elected to transfer back to the program, Criswell still provides some stability and depth in the Tar Heels quarterback room.
Criswell is no stranger to quarterback competitions, as he battled for the job both when Sam Howell arrived on campus as well as when Drake Maye took over the reins. He ultimately elected to explore opportunities elsewhere, but his collegiate career brought him back to where it all started in Chapel Hill.
2023 Stats (4 Games Played): 17-27 passing, 143 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Outlook
While the hope is that this quarterback battle will be settled by opening night, there is a slight chance that the UNC football program rotates at the quarterback position early on in the season.
Based on his previous experience, Johnson may have the upper-hand in this competition, especially if he can stay healthy. In the same token, Harrell has the talent and athleticism to make this a very close race, as it wouldn't be a surprise to see Brown tab Harrell as the quarterback of the future in Chapel Hill.
Regardless of how it shapes out, the Tar Heels hope that one of these talented quarterbacks can earn the job outright and lead the program's offense to success during the 2024 season.
Depth Chart
Competing for Starting Job: Max Johnson, Conner Harrell
Backup: Jacolby Criswell