Hurt UNC QB Johnson prepares to return in 2025

Pete Thamel, ESPNSep 6, 2024, 02:13 PM ET North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson plans to go back to UNC to play the 2025 season, he told ESPN on Friday.Johnson is out for the

year with a damaged leg, which he suffered against Minnesota last Thursday.”I have a great deal of football left in me,” he stated,”and understand I will be back out there next year.”Editor’s Picks 1 Associated Johnson added that he’s grateful to the medical team that looked after him after the injury

. He got injured in the 2nd half against the Gophers when he was struck on a blitz by Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley.He had surgical treatment Friday and has actually been recuperating in Minnesota because the injury. He’s eagerly anticipating rooting on the Tar Heels this year.”

I’ll be there every day supporting my colleagues and helping out as much as I can,”he said.”I value all the love and assistance from the fans.

“He called the eight days since the injury “a severe grind”and included that it has” taken a lot to get to [the] other

side and start the healing process. “Johnson included: “I want to thank Dr. Templeman and his team, the nurses and support staff at Hennepin County

Medical Center who took amazing care of me. Thank you to UNC head coach Mack Brown, the training personnel and trainers who have actually encouraged and supported me.”Johnson began his college profession at LSU in 2020 and transferred to Texas A&M, where he redshirted the 2022 season after suffering a season-ending

injury. He entered this season at UNC with 2 seasons of eligibility staying at UNC, per his bio. That means he will play a 6th year 2025 and may be able to petition for another after that.Johnson won the UNC beginning job over Conner Harrell out of camp, as he got here as a transfer this offseason. He has started 23 games in his career and appeared in 31, tossing for 5,923 backyards and 47 touchdowns.