JUST IN: UNC football: QB Max Johnson, according to Mark Richt, possesses “the same skillset” as Drake Maye and Sam Howell

ACC analyst and former Georgia and Miami coach Mark Richt believes that Max Johnson, the new quarterback for North Carolina, possesses the “same skillset” as the previous quarterbacks Sam Howell and Drake Maye. Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M, played eight games for the Aggies last season, completing 62.1% of his passes for 1,452 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. Ranked as the No. 42 quarterback in the transfer portal, he committed to UNC in November. According to Richt, Max Johnson is considered an exceptional addition to the quarterback lineup for UNC, showcasing a skillset comparable to his predecessors.

Additionally, UNC secured the commitment of Max Johnson’s younger brother, Jake, in December. Jake, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound sophomore, played in all 12 of Texas A&M’s games in the past season, recording 24 receptions for 235 yards and four touchdowns. As a former four-star recruit and the No. 85 overall prospect and No. 3 tight end in the class of 2022, Jake Johnson committed to UNC as the No. 4 tight end in the transfer portal.

“His little brother, (Jake Johnson) is one of the best tight ends in the country,” stated Richt. “The Johnson and Johnson team will become the dominant force. Without a doubt, the squad that is a dark horse to win the league. “Hey, baby, North Carolina Tar Heels!”

Brad Johnson, the father of Max and Jake, was a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who won a Super Bowl. Richt’s sister is Nikki Johnson, their mother.

“I love those kids,” Richt said. “I think they are going to have a great season. I’ve known Max and Jake since birth. They are beautiful guys and unbelievable players, and I can’t wait to watch them.”

Max Johnson began his career at LSU and started all 12 games for the Tigers as a sophomore in 2021, throwing for 2,815 yards with 27 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 60.2% of his passes. Inside Carolina’s Jason Staples praised Johnson after his commitment.

“In terms of what North Carolina wants from their quarterback position, Johnson checks a lot of those boxes,” Staples said. “Definitely a better replacement for Drake Maye than I thought North Carolina would have any chance of getting this offseason. As soon as I saw him enter the portal, I was like, ‘There’s your quarterback. If Carolina can land him, that’s a natural fit.'”

Staples said Johnson has a chance at developing into an NFL Draft prospect under offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.

“Max has a real chance of making an NFL roster down the line, if he can stay healthy and showcase his ability,” said Staples. There will be some weapons with Max Johnson. In addition to perhaps getting drafted, he might look great. His father was a longtime NFL player and a Super Bowl winner. Mark Richt and his father are in-laws. That family has a long history of producing quality quarterbacks.”