“I’m forging my own path”: Criswell aims to create a new chapter after rejoining UNC football.

“I’m forging my own path”: Criswell aims to create a new chapter after rejoining UNC football.

After three seasons on UNC’s bench behind star quarterbacks Sam Howell and Drake Maye, Criswell transferred to Arkansas in search of more playing time. However, his time with the Razorbacks didn’t go as planned. Criswell appeared in only four games, recording three touchdowns and passing for 143 yards.

When the transfer portal opened, Criswell decided to return to his original home. As of May, he’s back with the Carolina Blue brotherhood he loves. He’s eager to showcase his potential, which has been evident for the last four seasons.

“Now, it’s my expectation,” Criswell said. “My expectation is to be the best I can be regardless of what Sam and Drake did. I’m my own guy.”

After entering the transfer portal in April, Criswell immediately accepted UNC’s offer to return. During his previous time at UNC, the graduate quarterback appeared in 18 games and recorded his first collegiate passing touchdown as a sophomore. He passed for 204 yards and rushed for 133 yards in total.

Leading up to his decision to return, Criswell met with some of his former teammates. Despite the ongoing quarterback battle between sophomore Conner Harrell and graduate Max Johnson, all of Criswell’s teammates had the same message — they wanted him back.

The message reinforced what Criswell had learned during his time at Arkansas: nothing compares to the bonds he shares with his former teammates.