Takeaways from UNC’s 2024 Spring Game

Photo by Shannen Horan

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—North Carolina hosted its annual Spring Game on April 20, giving fans the chance to see what is in store for the fall season.

Quarterback Competition

Photo by Shannen Horan

With an offense losing quarterback Drake Maye to the NFL, UNC is looking to either transfer Max Johnson or Maye’s backup Conner Harrell to fill the void.

Johnson is coming from Texas A&M where he threw for 1,452 yards and nine touchdowns in the eight games he started in 2023.

Before transferring to Texas A&M, Johnson was Joe Burrow’s backup at LSU. His previous experience with two other teams gives him a unique perspective that could have a big impact on this UNC team.

Harrell backed up Maye for the past two years and made his first career start at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. He threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 75 yards and one touchdown.

He has developed under Maye and already has a connection with the players and UNC’s type of offense.

At the Spring Game, Johnson had the first snap at the position, but the two took turns taking snaps. By the end, Harrell was on offense four times compared to Johnson’s three.

In addition, Harrell threw for three touchdowns compared to Johnson’s one hand-off TD. Both QBs can run the ball but Harrell has a leg up with his speed.

The QB decision will not be made until the fall, but if it were up to me, based on the showing at the Spring Game, I would have Harrell starting over Johnson.

Depth in Several Positions

North Carolina’s offensive weapon is the best running back in the ACC, Omarion Hampton. He rushed for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns, but Carolina can’t just depend on him.

With Elijah Green transferring, the Tar Heels are looking to their underclassmen for some added depth for this position. Sophomore Major Byrd and first-year Davion Gause balled out and showed that they could compete with Hampton.

The wide receiver core for the Heels is also deep. With several starters sitting out the Spring Game—because of injuries, not wanting to get hit, etc.—the younger guys were able to show why they deserve to be a starters. First-year Jordan Shipp stood out and could be a nice addition to the offense.

Defense

The defense was in dire need of change after last season. Carolina brought in Geoff Collins as the new defensive coordinator, which is arguably the best decision they made this offseason.

Collins has lit a new fire under this defense. They are playing with a newfound aggressiveness and energy, and it has fans excited for what is in store for next season.

With spring ball ending, the players will continue to develop their skills over the summer. The QBs will get more one-on-one time with their receivers and the team will be back in August for fall training.