UNC to alternate QBs? Fedora won't say

Charlie Mickens Image
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
UNC quarterbacks discuss unsettled position
UNC QBs Brandon Harris and Chazz Surratt discuss the unsettled quarterback position.

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (WTVD) -- All fall camp at UNC, we've been hearing there are three quarterbacks in the running for the starting job.

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LSU graduate transfer Brandon Harris got the start in the opener against Cal. He played the first two series with not much success - one first down in seven offensive plays.

Chazz Surratt was brought in on the third series. The redshirt freshman led the Tar Heels to a touchdown drive near the end of the first quarter.

The two alternated throughout the first half. Harris was intercepted deep in Cal territory seconds before halftime; that would've at least given the Tar Heels a field goal try.

Surratt started the second half. And when Harris got his chance to play in the third series of the second half, that ended in another interception and sealed the deal for Harris on opening Saturday.

The Tar Heels lost 35-30 to Cal in Chapel Hill.

UNC Head Coach Larry Fedora addressed the QB situation Monday at his weekly news conference and was noncommittal on naming a starter this week for the Heels' ACC opener against Louisville.

"We'll go through this week again and decide on what we're going to do. Based on what you saw Saturday, whether or not that was enough to make a change, I don't know yet," Fedora said.

ABC11 caught up with both Brandon Harris and Chazz Surratt after practice Tuesday.

Harris said he has not spoken to Fedora about Saturday's game.

Harris added, "if Coach Fedora thinks this helps the team to win, I'm all for it."

Surratt went 18-for-28, with 161 yards passing and a touchdown. Harris completed 7-of-16 for 60 yards and two interceptions.

We could see alternating quarterbacks again this week in Chapel Hill with the Tar Heels.

Meanwhile, no such issues for Louisville. The Cardinals will bring reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson to Kenan Stadium.