Mack Brown says UNC can be better despite losing Drake Maye - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina has not yet named a starting quarterback to replace first-round pick Drake Maye, but coach Mack Brown says the Tar Heels have a chance to be a better team no matter who wins the competition.

Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson and Conner Harrell head into fall camp vying for the starting job. It is the second time in four years the Tar Heels must replace a quarterback who has gone off to the NFL — Sam Howell in 2022 and Maye to the New England Patriots in April with the No. 3 pick.

Given the way both Howell and Maye played at North Carolina, the offenses tended to be more quarterback focused. Now, there could be a massive shift — with first-team All-ACC running back Omarion Hampton returning.

«I think we can have a better chance to have a better team without as much hype at quarterback,» Brown said. «We'll run the ball better. We'll play better defense. We'll play complementary football better. With Sam and Drake, you're trying to win the Heisman. You're throwing it every time.

»So we finally might have a running team that can throw the ball and that will help our defense. We haven't been able to do any of that."

Brown also noted that two years ago, North Carolina was in the same position — with Maye and Jacolby Criswell in a quarterback competition during fall camp, working to replace Howell. Criswell ended up transferring to Arkansas, but has now returned to North Carolina and will be in the mix as well.

«Two years ago, we didn't know who was going to play,» Brown said. «And we were under the radar, and everybody said Sam Howell's gone? They're not going to be as good. We were 9-1 to start the season. So, I think it's the same. Max has thrown 900 balls in the SEC. We're going to be better