The new year will usher in a new era of quarterback play for the UNC football program. Days after the team’s loss in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to South Carolina, junior quarterback Sam Howell announced on Twitter he would be forgoing his final year of college eligibility and declaring for the NFL Draft.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
🎥: @MatthewFedder pic.twitter.com/0qxRC08RZc
— Sam Howell (@Sam7Howell) January 1, 2022
In his announcement, Howell called his three years at UNC “the best years of my life.”
“Chapel Hill will always hold a special place in my heart,” Howell went on to say. “I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m hopeful. And I know whatever it may be, it’ll be good.”
“So proud of Sam,” UNC head coach Mack Brown said on Twitter. “He’s been an absolute warrior and a great representative of UNC.”
Howell leaves Carolina as one of the most accomplished and proficient quarterbacks in program history. Among his many school records are those for passing yards (10,283), passing touchdowns (92) and total touchdowns (111). He threw at least one touchdown pass in all 37 games played as a Tar Heel.
Initially a Florida State commit, Howell flipped his commitment to UNC after Brown was hired as head coach. Howell immediately became Carolina’s starter, leading the Tar Heels to a 7-6 record in the 2019 season after the team had finished 2-9 the year before. Among his freshman year accomplishments were back-to-back comeback wins over South Carolina and Miami to open the season, and Carolina’s first win over NC State since 2015. His 38 passing touchdowns was the second-best mark ever for an ACC freshman, behind only Florida State’s Jameis Winston in 2013. The Tar Heels appeared in their first postseason game since 2016, and earned a decisive win over Temple in the Military Bowl.
Howell’s sophomore year was the program’s most successful, as the Tar Heels finished the regular season 8-3 and appeared in the program’s first-ever Orange Bowl. 2020 saw Howell post a career-best completion percentage (68.1) and lead the Tar Heels to an undefeated record against in-state opponents. In a comeback win over Wake Forest, Howell accounted for a school-record seven total touchdowns: six through the air and one on the ground.
Howell entered the 2021 season as a favorite for the Heisman trophy. Though the season did not live up to those lofty expectations, Howell still put together a solid campaign. He showcased his running ability like never before, scoring 11 touchdowns on the ground after scoring just six in his first two seasons combined. Among his season highlights were a five-touchdown performance in a win over Virginia (UNC’s first since 2016) and yet another comeback win over then-undefeated Wake Forest.
Howell finishes his collegiate career third in ACC history in passing touchdowns, behind only Clemson’s Tajh Boyd and NC State’s Philip Rivers. Howell notably finished ahead of ACC legends such as Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett. He also finishes with an 8-3 record against in-state opponents.
The Sporting News projects Howell as its 27th-best player in the NFL Draft Class of 2022, and the fourth-best quarterback.
“Howell is a smart, seasoned and accurate pocket passer,” it said. “It wouldn’t be surprising if he became a mashup of Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones.”
The 2022 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 28.
Meanwhile, the Tar Heels have a quarterback battle on their hands for next season. Backups Jacolby Criswell and Drake Maye both saw time in relief of Howell in 2021, while incoming freshman Conner Harrell will also be in the mix for playing time next season.
Featured image via USA Today Sports
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