When head coach Mack Brown said he wanted to play two quarterbacks on Thursday, these probably weren’t the circumstances he had in mind. 

With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, graduate quarterback Max Johnson — this week’s chosen starter — was blitzed by Minnesota’s Justin Walley. 

Johnson’s body hit the ground. He clutched his leg, wincing in pain. This time, he didn’t get up. Not until members of the football staff hoisted him off the turf and helped him onto the back of a cart. 

Enter sophomore Conner Harrell. 

In UNC’s season opener, North Carolina scraped by Minnesota, 19-17, on Thursday evening at Huntington Bank Stadium, thanks to Harrell’s final drive that set up graduate place-kicker Noah Burnette's 45-yard game-winning field goal. 

“We looked at [Johnson],” senior linebacker Power Echols said, “We said, ‘We got you. We’re going to win this for you.’”

After a months-long quarterback battle during the offseason for the starting position, Johnson was the quarterback to take the field for the first drive. 

Last Friday, Brown said at a press conference he would like to play both quarterbacks, depending on the in-game situation. 

But someone has to start, and it wasn’t a clean beginning for Johnson.

In the first half, he completed four of ten pass attempts for 28 yards — the fewest in a first half by the Tar Heels since 2019. He was sacked twice and almost fumbled near the Minnesota end zone before the mistake was overturned by a penalty. With eight minutes left in the second quarter, a pass intended for senior tight end Bryson Nesbit was picked, returned for 70 yards and converted into an eventual touchdown.

But, in the opening minutes of the second half, Johnson found his groove. He recorded more yards in the first drive than the entire first half. Charging downfield, he connected with more and more targets. He looked more confident and appeared to settle into a rhythm. 

And then, he went down.

The transfer from Texas A&M had to be transported off the field following a bad landing, leaving Brown no choice. Harrell stepped into Johnson’s place. 

 At the time of publication, Johnson’s status is currently unknown. 

“Thank goodness Conner was ready,” Brown said. 

With his starting signal caller injured, Brown frantically searched for Harrell in the sea of North Carolina players, only to find him already warming up. Even though he was told last week he wouldn’t get the starting job, Harrell never pouted. On the sideline, he stayed loose and always offered feedback when Johnson asked what the sophomore was seeing on the field. 

Before Harrell joined the huddle on the field in the third quarter, Brown reminded him of his talent. That he was ready for this moment. 

Harrell’s reply was simple: “We’re good, coach.”  

With North Carolina down by one point in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Harrell ran left towards the UNC sideline to escape a rushing Minnesota defender. 

He hooked a deep throw over the outstretched arms of a Golden Gopher, right into the awaiting hands of graduate wide receiver J.J. Jones for a 32-yard completion. A timely first down. 

He pushed the Tar Heels closer to the end zone, providing the perfect setup for a game-winning kick. 

“[I] just play confidently,” Harrell said. “I’ve worked for it. I know what to do. I know the guys have confidence in me, so I just go in there and play.”

The future is uncertain for Johnson, and depending on his status next week, Brown said he might have to begin to consider third-string graduate quarterback Jacolby Criswell as an option for the game against Charlotte. 

Even through week one, the quarterback battle isn’t over, yet. Maybe it never will be.

Johnson’s Injury

Johnson’s injury came on a play in the third quarter. The Tar Heels were down by one point when Johnson dropped back to pass. Justin Walley came in from the secondary on a blitz and sacked him. Johnson landed awkwardly on his right leg and immediately grabbed it.

Johnson was carted off the field, and his parents watched in stunned silence from the stands. Brad Johnson, a former NFL quarterback, began his pro career with the Vikings.

Johnson underwent successful surgery on his leg in Minneapolis and will return to Chapel Hill in a few days. His parents, Brad and Nikki, remain with him in Minnesota. Johnson is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

Harrell Takes Over

After Johnson was injured, Conner Harrell stepped in. Harrell, a redshirt sophomore who served as the backup to Drake Maye last season and started the Tar Heels' bowl game, replaced Johnson. He led the Tar Heels on a late drive that ultimately produced the winning field goal with 1:44 left.

Harrell was 2-of-4 for 34 yards in the game. He will now be the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels.

What’s Next for the Tar Heels?

The Tar Heels will face Charlotte in week 2. Harrell will be the starting quarterback. The Tar Heels are hoping that he can lead them to a win and keep their season on track.

The Tar Heels are also hoping that Johnson will make a full recovery and be ready to play again next season. They will be looking to him to be a key part of their offense in 2025.