The University of North Carolina is known for having an elite basketball program. But for the second time in three years, they have an elite QB prospect. Sam Howell entered this season ranked as the #2 high school player in NC.
He had offers from FSU, Alabama, and had broken almost every passing record in NC high school history. But even with that clout coming into his freshman season, he somehow exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations.
Sam set the freshman ACC record for passing touchdowns previously held by some guy named Trevor Lawrence. Sure freshman records are one thing, but his 38 touchdowns was the 3rd most in ACC history. Period. And the 2 guys in front of him played in more games than him.
He posted other worldly numbers for any QB let alone a true freshman. He finished top 10 all time in the ACC in QB effeciency rating. His numbers were better than Jameis Winston’s final year at FSU, when Winston would go on to be drafted #1 overall. UNC is no stranger to QB’s being drafted high, Mitch Trubisky was just drafted by the Bears #2 overall in 2017.
Mitch was coming off a great season but he was a junior, and still didn’t have the numbers Howell did. Sam has at least two more years to develop, and it’s easy to see a path to him becoming a top draft pick. Mac Brown certainly hit the jackpot with this QB, and it seems as though Howell will be a heisman contender next season.
Obviously his team will have to have more success to be truly considered for the award , finishing 7-6 on the season. But the Tar Heels are returning his top 2 receiving weapons as well as 4 of their starting o lineman.
It’s way too early to be making predictions about next season, but Howell has set the bar very high. For example, Joe Burrow is expected to be taken 1st overall after his heisman season. Burrow threw for over 3500 yards, over 37 touchdowns and less than 8 picks. Only one other QB in all of college football could check those boxes this season, Sam Howell. 2020 Heisman here we come.
