North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) drops back to throw the football against Clemson at Kenan Stadium on Saturday, September 28. (Dakota Moyer/Chapelboro.com)

UNC freshman quarterback Sam Howell had his name added Thursday to the watch list for this year’s Manning Award, which honors the top signal-caller in college football.

Howell is one of only seven quarterbacks in the nation this year to have at least 20 touchdown passes with less than three interceptions. His 20 touchdowns are a UNC record for a freshman.

Finalists for the Manning Award will be determined by a national media panel, with that list being released on Dec. 5.

The Manning Award is also one of the only postseason college football awards to factor in a player’s bowl performance.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo via Dakota Moyer