UNC quarterback Max Johnson, injured in opener, says he plans to play next season

Max Johnson says he will be back, playing football again next season and playing football for North Carolina.

Johnson was the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels in their season-opener at Minnesota but suffered a broken leg in the third quarter of UNC’s 19-17 win. He was transported to a Minneapolis hospital, where he underwent medical procedures and treatment and has remained since the Aug 29 game.

In a statement made Friday to ESPN, Johnson called the past eight days a “serious grind” while thanking the medical staff of the Hennepin County Medical Center.

“It has taken a lot to get to the other side and start the recovery process,” Johnson said.

UNC coach Mack Brown said Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M, would take part in all team activities once back in Chapel Hill and would assist quarterbacks Conner Harrell and Jacolby Criswell in their game preparation. Brown said Johnson would travel with the team and be on the sideline during games once cleared.

Brown said Monday that Johnson was expected to make a full recovery, adding that the graduate student would have two years of eligibility. Johnson should return to Chapel Hill next week, a team spokesman said Friday.

“It will be hard to sit on the sidelines, but I have a lot of football left in me and I know I will be back out there next year,” Johnson said in the statement. “In the meantime, I’ll be there every day supporting my teammates and helping out as much as I can.”

Johnson said he was thankful for the support shown from Brown, the coaching staff, trainers and teammates and “appreciated the love” from the fans. His parents were with him in Minneapolis and Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck also reached out and visited Johnson, Brown said.

Johnson’s younger brother, Jake., is a tight end for the Heels and also a Texas A&M transfer. The two transferred after last season.

Harrell, a redshirt sophomore, will be the starter at quarterback Saturday against Charlotte (0-1) in the home opener at Kenan Stadium.