The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is one of college football’s most prestigious honors, and recognizes the top signal-caller in college football each season. UNC’s Sam Howell has long been among the list of quarterbacks tabbed as a potential winner, and now can officially include himself among a group of nominees.

The O’Brien Award announced its 40-man Class of 2021 Tuesday, and Howell was among the 40 names for the second year in a row. The next step in the process will be to choose 16 semifinalists, using both the award’s National Selection Committee and the first round of fan voting. Fan voting will take place on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and involves liking the original Davey O’Brien post of each quarterback. The top five fan vote-getters will each receive bonus committee member ballots. Fan voting begins October 26.

Semifinalists will be announced on November 9, with finalists announced two weeks later. The winner will be revealed on December 9, during the College Football Awards.

Howell has already been named to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 list so far this season, and is one of just 13 quarterbacks in the nation to be appearing in his second Davey O’Brien Class.

In 2021, Howell has thrown for 1,851 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also has 494 rushing yards, fourth-most in the country, and five rushing touchdowns. His 335 yards of total offense per game rank ninth in the nation.

 

Featured image via Associated Press


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