CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Whether it’s a strategic ruse or a genuine plan, coach Mack Brown stated Friday that North Carolina is preparing to use both quarterbacks, Max Johnson and Conner Harrell, in the upcoming season opener.
“We’d like to play two quarterbacks depending on how the game unfolds, and ideally, we’d continue this throughout the season,” Brown said at Kenan Football Center. “Our offensive staff has done an excellent job. While Conner and Max share similarities, they also have differences, and the staff has tailored our game plan to suit each quarterback’s strengths. I’m confident in our approach for both players as it aligns with what each does best.”
Brown’s 73rd birthday falls on Tuesday, just two days before the opener at Minnesota. Since returning to UNC, he’s had NFL-bound quarterbacks Sam Howell (2019-21) and Drake Maye (2022-23) leading his offenses. Now, the reins will go to whoever is performing better between Johnson and Harrell — or possibly both at different times.
Johnson, a two-time transfer with four seasons of SEC experience, has emerged as the frontrunner to start over Harrell. Last weekend, UNC held an 80-play scrimmage closed to reporters, where sources say Johnson scored a 60-yard touchdown run on a keeper. Meanwhile, sources indicated that Harrell threw two interceptions during the scrimmage.
With the season opener against Minnesota on Aug. 29 fast approaching, Brown reiterated plans to play both quarterbacks, depending on the game’s demands. He also mentioned that Jacolby Criswell remains third on the depth chart, largely due to his late transfer back to UNC from Arkansas.
“Both quarterbacks are capable of winning,” Brown said Friday. “We need to see which one performs best during the game. Jacolby is behind, mainly because he missed spring practices, but he’s improving. Right now, it’s a two-man competition. We’re confident either of these guys can win games for us, but we’ll adjust based on how the game progresses.”
Johnson, a 6-foot-5 lefty, brings significant college experience, having played 30 games and thrown for 5,852 yards and 47 touchdowns. After stints at LSU and Texas A&M, he joined UNC in late November. Johnson is a career 60.5-percent passer, with his best season in 2021 at LSU, where he threw for 2,814 yards and 27 touchdowns against six interceptions.
Harrell, a dual-threat quarterback in his third year at UNC, backed up Maye last season and started in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl after Maye declared for the NFL Draft. Despite an ankle injury in the bowl game, Harrell completed 18-of-27 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, along with 25 rushing yards. He’s known for his strong arm and speed, which were on display during UNC’s spring game.
“We don’t know how either quarterback will perform,” Brown said. “So if one struggles, we’ll switch to the other. If it were Drake, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But since we’re unsure, we’ll monitor the game closely and make adjustments as needed to put them in the best position to succeed.”
