College football analyst Phil Steele revealed his preseason All-American and All-ACC teams on Thursday, with 12 Tar Heels among those included.

Junior quarterback Sam Howell leads the way as a Second Team All-American and First Team All-ACC choice, as he attempts to guide the Tar Heels back to the top of the ACC in his third year behind center.

Offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu and defensive tackle Raymond Vohasek joined Howell as First Team All-ACC selections, as well as being named Third Team All-Americans.

Players listed as preseason Second Team All-ACC choices included offensive lineman Marcus McKethan, defensive end Tomon Fox and linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel.

Third Team All-ACC selections consisted of wide receiver Beau Corrales, tight end Garrett Walston and defensive back Trey Morrison.

The final three Tar Heels on the list were each Fourth Team All-ACC choices. This includes transfer running back Ty Chandler, long snapper Drew Little and defensive back Kyler McMichael.

Coming off of an 8-4 campaign in 2020 which included the program’s first major bowl appearance since 1950 — an Orange Bowl loss to Texas A&M — the Tar Heels are expected to begin 2021 as an ACC Coastal Division favorite and one of the top 10 or 15 teams nationally.

UNC officially begins the 2021 season on the road in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech on Friday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.

 

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