A Look At The Frontrunners

The North Carolina Quarterback Battle: A Head-to-Head Comparison

A Look at the Frontrunners

The quarterback position is one of the most important in football, and the North Carolina Tar Heels are fortunate to have two talented players vying for the starting job in 2023.

Drake Maye, a redshirt freshman, and Jacolby Criswell, a sophomore, are both capable of leading the Tar Heels to success.

Each brings a unique set of skills to the table, and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the team's leader under new head coach Mack Brown.

Drake Maye: The Dynamic Dual-Threat

Maye is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback who is known for his arm strength and athleticism.

He is a dangerous runner who can also make all the throws necessary to succeed in Brown's offense.

In 2022, Maye completed 65.9% of his passes for 1,741 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 494 yards and five touchdowns.

His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a difficult player to defend.

Jacolby Criswell: The Experienced Leader

Criswell is a 6-foot-1, 210-pound quarterback who is entering his third season with the Tar Heels.

He started several games in 2022 and showed flashes of his potential.

Criswell is a more traditional pocket passer than Maye, but he is also a capable runner.

In 2022, Criswell completed 59.9% of his passes for 1,205 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 216 yards and a touchdown.

His experience and leadership qualities could give him an edge in the quarterback battle.

Comparing Maye and Criswell

Both Maye and Criswell have their strengths and weaknesses. Here is a quick comparison of the two players:

• Arm Strength: Maye has a stronger arm than Criswell.
• Athleticism: Maye is a more athletic quarterback than Criswell.
• Experience: Criswell has more experience as a starting quarterback than Maye.
• Leadership: Criswell is a more experienced leader than Maye.

Who Will Win the Quarterback Battle?

It is difficult to say who will win the quarterback battle between Maye and Criswell. Both players have the talent to be successful at North Carolina.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to which player is better able to execute Brown's offense and lead the Tar Heels to victory.