UNC Football: Michael Carter named to award watch list

UNC sophomore running back Michael Carter was named to the 2018 Doak Walker Award watch list

While it was a disappointing season overall for the North Carolina Tar Heels football program in 2017, there were some bright spots.

One of those bright spots came from freshman running back Michael Carter who flashed signs of being a playmaker right away. In UNC’s Week 1 loss to Cal, Carter scored two rushing touchdowns and finished the game with 94 yards on 11 carries.

The four-star running back showed off his speed and offered signs of hope that the offense can be explosive again. Going into 2018, Carter is expected to have a big role in this offense and will be one of those guys that can find the endzone any time he touches the football.

But we aren’t the only ones high on Carter.

The sophomore running back has been named to the 2018 Doak Walker Award watch list by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back with Stanford’s Bryce Love receiving the award in 2017.

Carter was one of 62 running backs named to the award watch list a few days back as the list will be cut down to 10 semifinalists on Nov. 16. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 20 and the winner will be announced on the College Football Awards Show on Thursday, December 6 on ESPN.

The Florida-native should have a shot at making that cut list due to the fact that he will be one of the primary options in the offense. Despite likely splitting time with junior Jordon Brown, it’s Carter’s pass-catching abilities that could help elevate his game.

In 2017, Carter finished the year with 558 rushing yards on 97 attempts and 8 touchdowns. He really wasn’t targeted on passing attempts early in the season but still managed to have 11 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown in a limited role.

Next: Carl Tucker named to award watch list

The Tar Heels will open up training camp in August as they prep for a very important season under head coach Larry Fedora that kicks off on Sept. 1 at Cal. For more on the UNC football program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.