UNC junior quarterback Sam Howell earned a spot on the watch list for the Maxwell Award on Monday, which is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Through just two seasons with the Tar Heels, Howell enters 2021 tied for the all-time UNC touchdown pass record alongside Darian Durant with 68. His 7,227 career passing yards rank fifth on the school’s career list as well.

In 2020, Howell’s 30 touchdown passes ranked sixth nationally — as he led the Tar Heels to their first ever Orange Bowl appearance.

He enters 2021 having lost running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams and top receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome to the NFL. Howell’s return and UNC’s depth offensively still has the team expected to begin the year among the top 10 or 15 ranked teams in the country.

The Maxwell Award has been presented annually to the College Player of the Year since 1937. A total of 80 players were selected to this year’s watch list.

 

 

 

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