UNC loses brand-new QB Johnson to injury vs

• Andrea Adelson, ESPN

  • Senior WriterAug 29, 2024, 11:57 PM ET Close ACC reporter.
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
  • Graduate of the University of Florida.North Carolina

quarterback Max Johnson was carted off the field with a hip injury in the third quarter of a 19-17 win versus Minnesota on Thursday night in Minneapolis.Johnson, who moved to the Tar Heels from Texas A&M this past offseason, won the beginning task after a competition with Conner Harrell that went down to the wire. In the early going versus the Golden Gophers, Johnson struggled to find consistency– however so did his offending line, with 4 new starters.Editor’s Picks 1 Related Late in the third quarter, Johnson dropped back to pass, however Justin Walley was available in from the secondary on a blitz and sacked him. Johnson landed awkwardly on his best knee and instantly grabbed it.His moms and dads, Nikki and Brad, enjoyed in shocked silence from the stands. Brad Johnson, a previous NFL quarterback, began his professional profession with the Vikings.In his postgame press conference, UNC coach Mack Brown stated the injury is to Johnson’s hip and that he was required to a regional hospital. The team was unsure whether Johnson would take a trip back Thursday night.” I hate that Max got hurt for him and for us. Conner [has] got to come on, “Brown said.Johnson started his career at LSU in 2020 before moving to Texas A&M in 2022. He was wishing for a fresh start with the Tar Heels after an up-and-down career with both programs. His experience– 22 starts and 30 total looks– made him a crucial

player for North Carolina to make it through the portal to change first-round draft choice Drake Maye.Johnson wound up 12-of-19 passing for 71 lawns with an interception and a rushing touchdown Thursday night. Harrell, a redshirt sophomore who functioned as the backup to Maye last season and began the Tar Heels’bowl game, replaced him and was 2-of-4 for 34 backyards. He led the Tar Heels on a late drive that ultimately produced the winning basket with 1:44 left.