Drake Maye explains the emotions, reactions to being named North Carolina starting quarterback

Redshirt freshman Drake Maye was recently named the starting quarterback for North Carolina’s Week 0 opener against Florida A&M on Saturday. After narrowly beating out sophomore Jacolby Criswell to take the first snaps of the season, Maye reflected on the emotions of being named QB1 for the Tar Heels.

Maye, who hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, doesn’t think much has been different since finding out he’s the starter. After finding out on Sunday evening, one of the first calls Maye made was to his dad.

“You know, my dad, he obviously congratulated me,” Maye said. “But obviously he was still saying ‘You’ve got a lot of work to do.’ This is kind of just another step, you gotta go out and impress, that’s the main deal. You gotta go out there and perform. And do what matters when it counts.”

Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Phil Longo informed Maye he was the starter on Sunday evening at a meeting in his his office. While the redshirt freshman was anxious about receiving big news starter or not, he also found calm in remembering that both he and Criswell are likely to see action this season.

“I would probably say I was kind of anxious. Just, see the way it goes,” Maye said. “Jacolby is a great player, we’ve been competing since I stepped on campus. But, yeah I was a little anxious, but excited for what the future holds. And I know I was going to get a shot to play this season, no matter what happens.”

As for his teammates, things are pretty much the same, Maye said. There were congratulations, but then it was time to keep working.

“Just, they were all professional,” Maye said. “Just, let’s get to work. Kind of go out there and show it. Obviously, it’s kind of bigger than what it seemed to be but just kind of continue with practice today and just kind of roll it on.”

Asked if he has a little more pep to his step now that he’s been named QB1, Maye said his outlook has not really changed much.

“I wouldn’t say it’s different,” Maye said. “I try to take the approach the same way as if I was competing to be that guy. But obviously it is a little different being out there with the ones every time, but I feel like we’re just going to keep getting better as we get more reps and make plays and get it to guys that can make the plays.”