THI TV: A Deep Dive With North Carolina QB Conner Harrell

CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina quarterback Conner Harrell met with the media following practice Wednesday to field questions about being QB1 for the bowl game and so much more.

Harrell, a 6-foot, 205-pound redshirt freshman from Alabaster, AL, has played 21 snaps this season as Drake Maye’s backup. He will start for the first time in college when the Tar Heels face West Virginia on December 27 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte.

Harrell fielded questions for about ten minutes, most of which were about him game, his approach to football, what he’s learned at UNC so far, and approaching the bowl game.

Above is video of Harrell’s interview, and below are some notes from what he had to say:

*J.J. Jones said Harrell was different in practice Wednesday, which was Carolina’s first in preparing for the bowl game. So, his big opportunity is here, and needless to say, Harrell is excited.

“I’m blessed to have the opportunity, blessed to be in this position,” he said. “I have to take advantage of it. I have to take advantage of every day at practice. Like J.J. said, I’m trying to be a little louder, more vocal, (and) step into the position. Drake left, and now it’s my turn to be loud and be that leader.”

*Harrell says his approach hasn’t really changed, saying, “you always have to be prepared no matter what; my number could have been called any second during the season. So, I take that preparation I’ve been doing through the year and multiply and addon to it.”

*His routine Wednesday morning when he woke up as QB1 on the day bowl practice started was no different. Same meal, same brain game, same time with his faith, and so on.

He did acknowledge, though, “I did have a pep in my step a little more.”

*Harrell said Drake Maye texted the QB group chat a couple of days ago “and expressed his love for us… and said it’s on is now.”

*Harrell said there is only so much stuff he can tell himself at this point, Wednesday was about getting to practice, getting in his work, leading, and morphing into QB1. And, it was about his faith.

“I try to stay in the word, in the Bible to let Him guide me, because there’s only so much I can do. So, throughout the whole process I was staying in my words, staying in my Bible. The only person that can guide me through it is Jesus. That’s what got me here.”

*How about a self-scouting report:

“I feel like I can do everything. Obviously, they’re going to have a tough time. I’m athletic, I can throw; I can make every throw on the field. I can throw it deep, whatever. West Virginia doesn’t have much film, they’re gonna have a tough time not really knowing. I’d say I can do a little bit of everything.”

*UNC knew that Maye was leaving, and it has already brought in Max Johnson from the portal. Johnson played two years at LSU and two seasons at Texas A&M. He has passed for 5,853 yards, 47 TDs and 12 interceptions in college. But Harrell doesn’t see him going to UNC as a threat, he sees this game as an opportunity.

“Anything to try to create an edge. I’ve had that before no matter what happened or didn’t happen. I try to stay consistent to the same mindset throughout. But anything to create an edge.”

*So, is this game versus WVU a literal tryout for Harrell, a chance to prove he should be the guy moving forward?

“A hundred percent. This is an opportunity to prove what I can do, how I can play. So I definitely every practice, no matter if we’re in shorts or pads, every throw is an opportunity to show what I can do.”

*Harrell also said the staff was “up front, they didn’t try to hide anything from me” with respect to bringing in a QB from the portal.

*The playbook is a “full go” Harrell said, no restrictions whatsoever. He said they may do a little less of some stuff, maybe “incorporate a little more,” but it’s a full go right now.

*Consistency has been an area that has required a great deal of work from Harrell since he arrived at UNC. UNC Coach Mack Brown said, two days after the Campbell game in November, Harrell had two good weeks of practice in a row. So, the question was posed to Harrell about his consistency, especially over the last few months.

“That’s definitely been a challenge coming from high school (having) a different amount of consistency. I’d say the one thing I try to do to make that better is consistency in every part of my life, not just football. Consistent with my morning schedule, consistent with what I do in the classroom, consistent in the word. And in the last few months, I feel like it’s really hit a stride.”

*So, what is his daily routine?

“So, I get up, first thing I do is I have this thing called “Brain Games” on my phone to try to stay sharp, get my brain sharp. I make my bed every day. Every day on my way here I listen to motivational speeches, the same ones. And when I get here, I listen to the same three or four songs, eat the same meal and get ready for meetings.”

The speeches are a compilation of various famous and otherwise speeches. The songs are “Found” by Travis Greene, the second one is “Praise Break” also by Travis Greene, and the third is “I Won’t Let Go.” Each song is by Greene, who is a Grammy nominated gospel musician and pastor.

The meal: toasted bagel, eggs, oatmeal, and fruit.

*A valedictorian in high school, Harrell was asked what his toughest final exam was last week.

“I’d say my toughest one was probably geology. That was a tough one. I probably take a little easier classes in the season, but geology is tough.”

*Now, Harrell said he makes his bed every morning, and it’s likely that many of his teammates probably haven’t made their beds since before the season started.

“I try, especially on practice days. I might slack on the weekend.”

Is it part of staying in routine, some kind of dedication to discipline?

“I’m not sure how much it actually does, but just being in routine is important for me.”