in a dramatic turn of events North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson was carded off the field with a hip injury during the third quarter of a nail biting 19-7 win against Minnesota on Thursday night in Minneapolis Johnson who recently transferred from Texas A&M secured the starting position after a fierce competition with Connor harell however the game against the golden goers proved challenging for Johnson and his offensive line which featured four new starters late in the third quarter a blitz by Justin Wall-E resulted in a hard sack causing Johnson to land awkwardly on his right knee and immediately clutched in pain his parents Nikki and Brad Johnson watched in stunned Silence from the stands Brad a former NFL quarterback began his career with the Vikings adding an emotional layer to the scene UNCC coach ma Brown confirmed in the postgame news conference that Johnson's injury is to his hip and that he was taken to a local hospital the team is uncertain if Johnson will travel back Thursday night I hate that Max got hurt for him and for us Connor has got to come on Brown stated Johnson who started his career at LSU before transferring to Texas A&M in 2022 was looking for a fresh start with the Tar Heels his extensive experience including 22 starts and 30 total appearances made him a crucial addition to North Carolina's roster especially to replace firstr draft pick Drake May on Thursday night Johnson completed 12 of 19 passes for 71 yards with one interception and a rushing touchdown Connor harell a red shirt sophomore and last season's backup to May stepped in and went two for four for 34 yards Harold led the Tar Heels on a decisive late Drive culminating in the winning field goal with just 144 left on the clock