ACC Football 2017: Biggest x-factor for every team

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) is blocked by Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) during the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

11 of 15

GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 3: Brandon Harris #6 of the LSU Tigers throws a pass in the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field on September 3, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

North Carolina – Brandon Harris

Brandon Harris will likely start the season as the North Carolina quarterback, although no decision has been made yet. Harris comes in as a graduate transfer who has starting experience with LSU in the SEC. The former LSU quarterback is looking for a fresh start and will be replacing the void left by Mitchell Trubisky who departed for the NFL.

North Carolina also lost Elijah Hood, T.J. Logan, Bug Howard, Mack Hollins and Ryan Switzer to the NFL. That’s a ton of offensive skill players to lose in one year. Harris will have to do his best with an entirely different unit that is really unproven on paper to open up the season.

That doesn’t mean Harris has the job locked up. Nathan Elliot had a good showing completing eight of nine passes for 55 yards filling in for Trubisky. Nevertheless, filling in for a first round quarterback is no easy task. Then again, North Carolina only won eight games under Trubisky’s watch.

Harris’ best collegiate season came in 2015 with LSU. He threw for 13 touchdowns and 2,165 yards. He also added a rushing element as well adding 226 yards and four touchdowns on the ground as well. Harris might never be destined for the NFL, but he may be exactly what UNC needs as a duel-threat quarterback.

Home/College Football