Mack Brown reveals UNC will search for another quarterback in transfer portal

North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye is going to be a high NFL Draft pick this year. It’s great for Mack Brown and the program. However, it also means the program is going to need to find a way to replace a very talented quarterback.

Now, Brown has revealed that he’s comfortable with the talent in the quarterback room, just not its size. Because of that, UNC will search for at least one more quarterback to add to its roster from the Transfer Portal this offseason.

“We’re going to try to get another quarterback in the portal because we lost Tad Hudson,” Mack Brown said. “So, you need four, and a lot of people have five…but you’ve got to have four quarterbacks and most people have five. So, we will look for a quarterback even though we feel like these two are in a good position to move forward.”

Tad Hudson wasn’t expected to necessarily compete to replace Drake Maye. However, he did provide the necessary depth while being a player who could run scout offenses for the Tar Heels. So, while Mack Brown is likely going to bring in the best possible quarterback, that’s the role that he seems like he feels the need to fill.

As of now, North Carolina has four quarterbacks listed on its roster, including Conner Harrell, Max Johnson, DJ Mazzone, and Michael Merdinger. Johnson, a transfer from LSU and Texas A&M, and Harrell, who returns from last season, appear to be competing primarily to be the team’s starter.

This offseason, North Carolina has lost two quarterbacks to the Transfer Portal, including Tad Hudson and Jefferson Boaz. Add in the loss of Drake Maye, and the UNC quarterback room will look very different in 2024.

Mack Brown praised Drake Maye ahead of NFL Draft

With the NFL Draft around the corner, Mack Brown praised Drake Maye and what he’ll bring to his new team.

“Drake’s accomplished everything that you could expect him to in two years. I can’t imagine what would happen if he stayed four. Can’t even imagine, but he’s too good. He can’t stay, and somebody’s going to really, really lucky to get him,” Brown said.

“I wish I could be there. We have our charity in a week which is always the case when it comes up. I’m excited about all these guys, and I’ve told them that. The good thing about them (is) they’ve all got their degrees. So if it doesn’t work out for them now or if they don’t make that 90-man roster, they’re going to be good.”