It will be goodbye and thanks, then hello to a new duo.

Despite losing some ground in the latest projected NFL draft boards, Sam Howell has apparently made up his mind to turn pro. And we may have seen the last of him at Kenan Stadium, where the Tar Heels celebrate Senior Day Saturday against Wofford.

Mack Brown will be sore if a representative home crowd doesn’t show up for the noon game on what the forecast calls for a cool and sunny day. The head coach did not recruit most of the seniors who will be saluted before the game except for Howell, who will enter the NFL draft after his minimum three required years in college.

But Brown loves the group he inherited from Larry Fedora for how they turned his program around right away after winning only five games over the last two seasons with the former coach.

Already drafted Michael Carter, Javonte Williams, Dyami Brown, Dazz Newsome and Chazz Surratt were developed into pro prospects by Brown and his coaching and conditioning staff.

There aren’t any obvious NFL draft picks among the 21 players who will have their Senior Day, although a number of them may sign with teams as free agents and try out. But these are the guys who stuck it out with Mack and will qualify for a third straight bowl game with a win over small-college Wofford.

Howell is a game-time decision due to an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, and the Tar Heels should still win the game without him while we get to see his successors in real time.

While Howell mends for the all-important “state championship” game in Raleigh next Friday night, back-up quarterbacks Jacolby Criswell and Drake Maye will both play after taking most of the snaps in practice this week.

One of them will wind up the starter for the 2022 season, unless Brown breaks from routine and installs a two-quarterback system. He says Criswell is a dangerous runner who can really throw the ball and the 6-foot-5 Maye is more than just a pocket passer.

Make the coaches and all the kids happy by coming out to say thanks and bid them farewell. After all, they are the foundation of a remarkable turnaround in football after all hope seemed lost.

 

Carolina Football Players to be Honored on Saturday

  • Grayson Atkins
  • British Brooks
  • Adam Buck
  • Carson Burgess
  • Ty Chandler
  • Joshua Ezeudu
  • Tomon Fox
  • Jeremiah Gemmel
  • Gray Goodwyn
  • Tyrone Hopper
  • Sam Howell
  • Quiron Johnson
  • Nick Mackovic
  • Marcus McKethan
  • Kyler McMichael
  • Trey Morrison
  • Alex Nobles
  • Hunter Shope
  • Jordan Tucker
  • Ray Vohasek
  • Garrett Walston

 

Photo via ACC Media.

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