But someone has to start, and it wasn’t a clean beginning for Johnson.
In the first half, he completed four of 10 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 just over 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 the bad landing, leaving Brown no choice. Harrell stepped into Johnson’s place.
The team announced on Friday that Johnson broke his leg and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
“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 toward the UNC sideline to escape a rushing Minnesota defender.
North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Conner Harrell (15) throws the ball down the field during the second half of the game against University of Minnesota at Huntington Bank Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. UNC won 19-17.
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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.”
With Johnson out, Brown said third-string graduate quarterback Jacolby Criswell is now a factor in the game against Charlotte.
Even through week one, the quarterback battle isn’t over, yet. Maybe it never will be.
Gregory Daniels is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, he explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture. Gregory enjoys staying ahead of the curve and sharing emerging trends with his readers.
