Just In: Mack Brown explains how losing star to NFL Effects team

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown isn’t worried about losing quarterback Drake Maye to the NFL.

On Thursday, Brown expressed optimism about the Tar Heels’ future despite losing their starting quarterback for the second time in four years. He suggested that the team might perform better without the intense focus on the quarterback position.

 

 

“I think we have a better chance to be a stronger team without the quarterback hype,” Brown said, according to ESPN’s Andrea Adelson. “We’ll improve our running game, play stronger defense, and excel in complementary football. With Sam (Howell) and Drake (Maye), it was about winning the Heisman and passing constantly.”

The former two-time Big 12 Coach of the Year with Texas also mentioned that UNC “might finally have a balanced team that can throw and run, which will benefit our defense,” something they’ve struggled to achieve previously.

Tar Heels fans have enjoyed impressive quarterback play over the last five seasons with Sam Howell starting from 2019-2021 and Drake Maye leading in 2022 and 2023. Howell and Maye were teammates during Howell’s junior year in 2021, which was Maye’s freshman year. Howell led the ACC in several passing categories and was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks.

Brown noted that Maye wasn’t the guaranteed starter after Howell left, recalling that “two years ago, we didn’t know who would start. People doubted us after Sam Howell left, yet we started 9-1. It’s similar now. Max (Johnson) has significant SEC experience. We’re better than expected on the offensive line, have strong receivers, potentially the best running back in the league, and a solid tight end room.”

Maye had an outstanding 2022 season, earning ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year while finishing 10th in Heisman Trophy voting. In 2023, he posted impressive stats, including 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, along with 449 rushing yards and nine scores. He was drafted third overall by the New England Patriots and is competing for the starting role with Jacoby Brissett.

Brown has yet to name a starting quarterback, with top contenders being Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson and Conner Harrell, alongside Jacolby Criswell, who returned after a stint at the University of Arkansas.

Adelson mentioned a possible major shift in the offense with first-team All-ACC running back Omarion Hampton returning for his junior season.

“I believe our offense will be very strong,” Brown said. “Conner is fast, smart, and talented. Jacolby has SEC and UNC experience. We have three highly skilled quarterbacks.”