The Athletic named UNC junior quarterback Sam Howell as a first-team preseason All-American Monday, adding to the star signal-caller’s growing list of preseason awards.

Howell is one of only two ACC players on the team, and the only Tar Heel on either the first or second teams. Defensive tackle Bryson Bresee of Clemson is the only other ACC player on the first team.

Howell and the Tar Heels will see another member of the first team, safety Kyle Hamilton of Notre Dame, when UNC travels to South Bend on October 30.

Five members of The Athletic’s second team are on Carolina’s schedule: running back Kyren Williams and offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson of Notre Dame, safety Bubba Bolden and punter Lou Headley of Miami and offensive lineman Ifem Ekwonu of NC State.

In addition to this honor, Howell is among the names favored to win the Heisman Trophy, and has been named to watch lists for the Walter Camp and Manning Awards as well. He would be the first UNC player to win any of these prestigious honors.

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