North Carolina is expected to start quarterback Jacolby Criswell in Saturday’s game against James Madison, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reports. Criswell is the third player to start at under center for the Tar Heels already this season, as they deal with the wake of former Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson’s season-ending injury.
This will be Criswell’s second career start for the Tar Heels, though he hasn’t been first off the bench since a win against Wofford in 2021 — his true sophomore season.
Former three-star quarterback Conner Harrell led the offense in wins against Charlotte and NC Central. Though North Carolina won those two contests by an average of 26.5 points, Harrell struggled to consistently move the offense. He threw an interception against the 49ers and then missed on four of his first six passes against NC Central.
The 6-foot-1 and 230-pound Criswell came in for North Carolina’s third drive against the Eagles and immediately led three consecutive scoring drives, two of which ended in touchdowns. Criswell completed 14 of his 23 pass attempts for 161 yards and one touchdown in the 45-10 win. He also rushed for 16 yards on three carries.
Criswell’s journey comes full circle
Criswell has had one of the more unique transfer portal journeys, emblematic of the modern era of college football. He initially signed with North Carolina in 2020 as a four-star prospect out of Morrilton, Arkansas. Criswell spent the first few years of his career backing up the likes of Sam Howell and Drake Maye, earning most of his playing time in clean-up duty against overmatched opponents.
Even with his lone start in the 2021 season, Criswell only attempted 31 passes through his first three seasons with the Tar Heels. So he entered the transfer…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/north-carolina-expected-to-start-qb-jacolby-criswell-against-james-madison-in-attempt-to-spark-offense/
Author : Will Backus
Publish date : 2024-09-20 20:32:05
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