**CHAPEL HILL, N.C.** — After losing Max Johnson to a season-ending injury during the season opener at Minnesota, North Carolina has decided to move forward with Conner Harrell as its starting quarterback.
“He just needs to build his confidence and go for it,” head coach Mack Brown said on Monday. “This is his moment. It’s his team now.”
Johnson had initially won the starting role but sustained a leg injury in the third quarter against the Gophers. He was carted off the field and taken to a hospital, where he underwent surgery for a broken right leg in Minneapolis. Brown mentioned that Johnson was undergoing a second procedure on Monday and will remain in Minnesota for another week or two. An assistant trainer from UNC has stayed behind to support him until he can return to Chapel Hill.
Now, the responsibility falls on Harrell, a third-year sophomore, who will make his second career start on Saturday at home against Charlotte.
“He’s been given the reins,” Brown said. “The team knows it’s time to rally around their new quarterback. He’s a talented player, and now it’s his time to enjoy the game and perform well.”
Harrell played in five games last season as a backup to Drake Maye, who later became the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. Harrell then started in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl loss to West Virginia after Maye declared for the draft. Following Johnson’s injury, Harrell stepped in to close out the win against Minnesota, completing 2 of 4 passes for 34 yards.
“I’ve noticed he’s become much more confident and assertive with the team,” said offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. “He was thrown into a tough situation the other night and executed what we asked of him. I think we’ll see him continue to evolve as a player. He’s still young, but he’s got potential.”
As for Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, the plan is for him to participate in virtual team or quarterback meetings until he can rejoin the team in person. Brown mentioned that Johnson is expected to make a full recovery, and he still has two years of eligibility remaining.
Post a Comment