As kickoff for UNC football’s week one game at Virginia Tech approaches, the Tar Heels are starting to tune out the preseason hype.

Another award can’t hurt, though.

The Associated Press, fresh off ranking Carolina No. 10 in their preseason poll, named quarterback Sam Howell a preseason second team All-American Monday. Howell sits behind Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler, who took the first team spot.

Three other ACC players join Howell on the first and second teams: guard Zion Johnson of Boston College, receiver Justyn Ross and defensive tackle Bryan Breese of Clemson, and punter Lou Hedley of Miami. Notre Dame also features four players on the teams: safety Kyle Hamilton, guard Cain Madden, running back Kyren Williams and center Jarrett Patterson.

You can view the full teams here.

Howell and the Tar Heels will see both Hedley and the Notre Dame contingent this year, on October 16 and October 30, respectively. You can follow Carolina’s progress all season long on 97.9 FM or 1360 AM.


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