UNC junior quarterback Sam Howell spoke with the media Monday afternoon for the first time since announcing he would be playing in the team’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl Game against South Carolina. Howell, who is projected to be an early selection in next spring’s NFL Draft, appeared as relaxed and and comfortable as he’d been the entire season during the press conference.
“Honestly, there wasn’t really a decision to be made,” Howell said. “I just love this team, and I love playing football. That’s the main thing. I love this sport, so it wouldn’t sit right for me, not playing in the bowl game.”
Though Howell did participate in Senior Day festivities for Carolina this season and plans to graduate in December, he still has not announced he will be entering his name in the draft and turning pro.
“I still have a lot of decisions to be made about my future,” he said. “It’s just something I’m praying about, talking to my family about.”
Regarding his announcement on Twitter, Howell mentioned he wanted to put to rest rumors of his departure from Chapel Hill. The method of his announcement was certainly unique: the quarterback posted an extended GIF from The Simpsons featuring plenty of mayonnaise.
“I was just looking around at all the little… I don’t even know what they’re called. GIFs? Me and [assistant athletic director] Jeremy [Sharpe] were kind of sending them back and forth and stuff… ultimately, I ended up finding that one.”
Catch y’all in Charlotte 😉 pic.twitter.com/7L03wVdtN4
— Sam Howell (@Sam7Howell) December 8, 2021
Howell was not the only player to confirm his participation in the bowl game. Senior linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel, senior offensive lineman Jordan Tucker and sophomore cornerback Storm Duck all stated they would play against South Carolina.
Gemmel is also committed to playing in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in February. The redshirt senior has been part of the program since the 2017 season, and along the way has garnered acclaim from head coach Mack Brown for his leadership and poise.
“I think it’s just good leadership to finish what we started,” Gemmel said. “It really didn’t matter what bowl game we would’ve got into. I could’ve been the first overall pick, and I think I still would’ve came out here and play with my team, and finish the season out strong.”
Tucker had previously mulled returning to UNC, using the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the pandemic. He did, however, confirm the Duke’s Mayo Bowl would be his final game in a Carolina uniform, while also mentioning it provided a chance to impress NFL scouts before the draft.
“A lot of teams were just wanting me to finish more, and be more consistent in my play,” Tucker said. “And I feel like I did make strides toward that this year, as opposed to last year. I just really want to take this opportunity to go out there and try it out. I’ve done my due time here. Three seasons with Mack, two with [former head coach Larry] Fedora, and I think it’s just a matter of time.”
Duck has struggled with injuries since the beginning of the 2020 season and has played in just seven games in the past two years, but due to being three years removed from high school is eligible to enter his name into the draft. Duck, however, told reporters he would be staying in Chapel Hill for 2022.
“Just playing a whole season,” Duck said when asked why he would be returning to school. “Just being there for the team the whole season, that’s the main thing.”
Duck will likely see expanded playing time against South Carolina in the bowl game, as UNC announced Monday that senior cornerback Kyler McMichael would be opting out of the game to prepare for the NFL. Duck has played in five games this season, and notched one of his two career interceptions in Carolina’s Military Bowl victory over Temple in 2019.
Featured image via Associated Press
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