Preseason accolades continue to roll in for UNC junior quarterback Sam Howell, who was named earlier this week to the watch list for the Davey O’Brien Award.

Howell was one of 30 players on this year’s watch list for an award which has been presented annually to the top quarterback in the country since 1981. He also earned a spot on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which goes to the nation’s most outstanding player.

In two seasons as the starter at UNC, Howell’s 68 touchdown passes are already tied for the school record alongside Darian Durant and his 7,227 yards through the air rank fifth on the school’s all-time list.

Last season, Howell led the Tar Heels to their first Orange Bowl appearance and the program’s first major bowl game since 1950. His 30 touchdown passes ranked sixth nationally and his 3,586 yards ranked fourth.

The winner of this year’s Davey O’Brien Award will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 9 during ESPN’s College Football Awards show.

UNC begins its season in Blacksburg on Friday, Sept. 3 against Virginia Tech.

 

 

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