UNC Football: Michael Carter named finalist for Paul Hornung Award

The UNC football standout was named a finalist for a yearly award that recognizes the most versatile players in college football.

The Paul Hornung Award was created in 2010 to recognize and reward the most versatile high-level performers throughout college football.

There are some criteria in place to be considered for the award. Here are some of the ways that the players who are nominated for the award are measured:

• Player must play multiple positions on offense and/or multiple positions on defense
• Nominee plays a significant role on special teams
• Nominee performs as a two-way player who starts either on offense or defense and is used on the other side of the ball in some capacity.
• Player makes a significant impact during big games and elevating the team’s performance through leadership displayed by excelling in multiple roles.

Now, players who are nominated for the award do not have to meet all the above criteria. However, the selection committee does look for the players who check the most boxes off in regards to this set of criteria.

This year, a UNC football standout has been nominated for the award.

Michael Carter has been named as a finalist for the 2020 Paul Hornung Award. The senior tailback is one of five finalists, as he is joined by D’Wayne Eskridge (Western Michigan), Travis Etienne (Clemson), DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and Kadarius Toney (Florida).

As he officially wrapped up his Tar Heel career, Carter leaves Chapel Hill as one of the best running backs to ever play for the program. His 3,403 rushing yards places him fourth all-time on the Tar Heels rushing list, and his 6.62 average yards-per-carry serves as a school record.

As a senior, Carter carried the ball 156 times for 1,295 yards and seven scores. He also was active in the passing game, as he hauled in 25 passes for 267 yards and an additional two scores. In regards to his versatility, Carter also made an impact on special teams. The senior handled kickoff return duties for the Tar Heels, returning eight kicks for 156 yards (just under 20 yards per-return).

Carter definitely meets most of the criteria that is put in place for this award. If selected, Carter would become the first Tar Heel to win this award. Although the finalist field is full of very talented, versatile players, there is a good possibility that Carter can make a case to win the award for this past season.

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