Mack Brown updates UNC quarterback situation
The UNC football program gets its 2022 season started in just about three weeks but that doesn’t mean that head coach Mack Brown will rush into a key decision at quarterback.
Redshirt freshman Drake Maye and sophomore Jacolby Criswell are in the middle of a key quarterback battle this fall and up to this point no stater has been named.
On Monday, Brown told reporters that he will aim to make a decision on who will start the season opener on the Sunday before game week.
“We’re hoping we make (the decision) on Sunday before the first game and tell you on Monday at the press conference,” Brown said on Monday. “But it still has not separated enough for us to make that decision.”
Last season, Maye was 7-of-10 for 89 yards and one touchdown. In limited playing time in two seasons, Criswell is 16-of-25 for 195 yards and one touchdown and one interception. He also has one rushing touchdown and 94 yards on the ground.
With a big change coming under center regardless of who starters, Mack Brown is focused on a few key aspects of the position.
“It’s who moves the ball and who scores,” Brown said. “… it’ll be who’s gonna protect the ball. It’s gonna be who’s gonna get the ball out their hands fast because we’re not gonna go through sacks like we did last year. It’s going to be who can convert on third and fourth down. Who runs well enough to make plays. And who’s got the poise and leadership to carry the team to the end zone.”
Regardless of the starter, it will be an entirely new era that is ushered in as the Tar Heels move on from three-year starter and standout quarterback Sam Howell.
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