Conner Harrell replaces injured Max Johnson in win at Minnesota –

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.

@carolinewills03

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com