Conner Harrell on preparation process after Max Johnson injury: ‘Nothing different’

After being the backup in the opening game, Conner Harrell is now the starting quarterback for North Carolina following the season-ending injury to Max Johnson. However, that changes little about how he’s actually going to prep for the games.

Harrell spoke about his readiness for this opportunity to start his media availability earlier this week. All in all, though, he’s as ready as he would have been as a reserve because nothing about his process is shifting although he’s moving up on the depth chart. That’s because of how set that he has to be in every game regardless of how much that he would have played each week.

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“Nothing different,” said Harrell. “Yeah, I know, nothing different. Just preparing like I always would. Nothing different.”

“I’d say – I said this in the last interview also. I always have to prepare like I’m going to play because I get my opportunity, I’m not ready, and then, you know, that’s not the best,” Harrell said. “So I always have to prepare week-to-week like I’m going to play. You know, I try to do that. I try to be the same person week-to-week.”

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Harrell was ready to go in their season debut last week in Minneapolis after Johnson broke his leg against the Golden Gophers.

After the loss of Johnson, Harrell checked in off the sideline toward the end of the third quarter. In that quarter or so of play, he completed two of his four passes for 34 yards. UNC eased him in by rushing as they got close enough to make three field goals on his four drives. That included the eventual winning one with under two minutes to go with a 19-17 victory versus Minnesota.

Although losing the competition at least to an extent, Harrell is now the starter for the remaining games for the Tar Heels. That naturally has him even more thrilled to go beginning this weekend against Charlotte.

“Yeah, I’m obviously excited,” said Harrell. “When I’m not playing, I’m excited to Max, excited for our team. Now that I am playing, I’m excited. You know, guys are looking to me in the huddle. Just a different type of excitement. But, yeah, I’m definitely excited.”