Bill Belichick, UNC not in rush to name starting QB

USA Today

19 hours ago

Will Max Johnson, Gio Lopez or Bryce Baker be named UNC's Week 1 starter?
Saturday was a massive day for the UNC football program, which kicked off Training Camp and inched closer to the start of live football action.
One of North Carolina's greatest storylines entering Training Camp – and one that'll continue until the season opener on September 1 against TCU – is who will be starting quarterback.
The Tar Heels return initial 2024 starter Max Johnson, who is fully recovered from a broken leg suffered in last year's opener at Minnesota. UNC also nabbed South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez in the transfer portal, while landing a commitment from in-state, 4-star quarterback Bryce Baker.
During media availability to open Training Camp, North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick spoke on his new team's quarterback battle – and when he hopes to have a decision by.
"We don't have a specific date," Belichick said. "I think the time will be when we're sure. What you don't want to do is pick player A – and then end up going to player B. Let them compete and then once you're sure it's player B, make it player B or player A, whoever goes. I think once we're confident that we know who has earned that spot, cause that's what it'll be, it's not us picking them, it'll be that player earning it.
After the Tar Heels hit the Bill Koman Practice Field, Johnson spoke to the media for several minutes. Johnson echoed Belichick's sentiments, while also describing what he needs to do in order to be named QB1.
"The best man's going to play and whoever that is, I know Coach Belichick's going to make the best decision," Johnson said. "I'm just blessed to be here, be able to compete. It just feels good to be able to do it again.'
'I think just trying to be as consistent as I can be," Johnson continued. "Don't get too high, don't get too low. Don't make the bad plays worse. Focus on what they're (coaches) telling us. Take the checkdowns when it's there, take the shot when it's there and being able to manipulate the defense with your eyes. Don't change because of something good happening, something bad happening."
Exactly 30 days from Saturday, Johnson will know whether he earns UNC's starting quarterback gig or not. He certainly has the collegiate experience factor, but Lopez and Baker have the 2024 live action Johnson doesn't.
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