With Drake Maye likely declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, the North Carolina Tar Heels were in need of a veteran quarterback with real playing experience.
With the transfer portal in full effect, it looks like the Tar Heels have already found their guy.
Max Johnson, the son of NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, had announced his intention to enter the transfer portal this past Sunday, Nov 26.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Graduating from one of the greatest universities where earning my Aggie ring symbolized the incredible traditions and memories made is a true honor!
Thanks to my teammates, football staff, equipment managers, and professors for shaping my journey. I have made friends that will last a lifetime. The great support from the 12th Man also fueled my passion as you have accepted me as your own. I am entering the portal as a grad transfer.
I’m looking forward to embracing the possibilities ahead, and I’m excited to see what God has in store for me as I navigate. my next chapter.”
— Max Johnson (@MaxJohnson14) November 26, 2023
This year, Johnson was forced to step in for the starter Connor Weigman after he suffered a season-ending injury. The former three-star played well at times in the nation’s toughest conference. He was extremely close to pulling off upsets against Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, yet lost each contest by seven points or less.
His best season came in 2021 as the starter for a 6-6 LSU team, where he threw for 27 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
It didn’t take long for Tar Heel Head Coach Mack Brown to swoop in on the Max Johnson sweepstakes.
Johnson’s is a huge get for Brown and North Carolina’s staff.
The current quarterback room, minus Drake Maye, looked questionable at best. The most promising thrower in the room was Tad Hudson, a 2023 four-star recruit who was ranked the 24th ranked quarterback in the nation.
247 Sports’ National Recruiting Analyst Brian Dohn had this to say about the freshman. “He has verified size with broad shoulders and a strong build. A multi-sport athlete who plays basketball and baseball as well. Calm demeanor with leadership skills. Commands huddle and hard worker. He showcased good strength and a deft touch on the deep ball during the in-person evaluation. The ball has a zip when he strides into the throw. Classic pocket passer. He does not stress his arm on intermediate and deep throws. He has quick release when throwing on the move. Fluid, balanced delivery when throwing on time from pocket.”
While Hudson is confirmed to have great talent, he could use a year or two to learn behind an established veteran, similar to the likes of the incoming transfer.
Behind Hudson is Connor Harrell, a freshman from the class of 2022. While only a three-star recruit, he has plenty of stats and accolades to be a potential starter. Harrell was a first-team all-state selection, a two-time state champion, and went 24-1 as the starting quarterback while posting 6,100 yards passing and 81 touchdowns on a 72% completion percentage.
Both will have the chance to learn behind Johnson and possibly take the reigns in 2025 and beyond.
Just an hour ago, Johnson confirmed his move to North Carolina himself on his X page.
“Excited to be a Tar Heel! Let’s go! #TarHeels,” he wrote.
Excited to be a Tar Heel! Let’s Go! @Hayesfawcett3 #TarHeels pic.twitter.com/Ps6s6L0rWE
— Max Johnson (@MaxJohnson14) November 29, 2023
Johnson will have the chance to compete for an ACC championship this upcoming year alongside North Carolina’s above-average coaching staff and touted recruits. As it stands right now, North Carolina holds the 30th-best class in the country. That includes 20 recruits, with six of them being ranked four-star players according to 247 Sports.
The star potential he showed just two years ago could find itself alive and well in Chapel Hill next year.