UNC Football: Sam Howell named ACC Preseason Player of the Year

UNC Football quarterback Sam Howell continues to reel in the preseason honors ahead of his junior year in Chapel Hill.

On Tuesday, a week after the Atlantic Coast Conference hosted their media days in Charlotte, the conference announced their preseason teams and player of the year awards. Howell was named the ACC’s Preseason Player of the Year earning 114 votes from media members that cover the league.

The quarterback beat out Miami quarterback D’Eriq King (11 votes), Clemson defensive end Bryan Bresee (8 votes), Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (6 votes), Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec (3 voites), Boston College wide receiver  Zay Flowers (2 votes) and Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs (2 votes).

Going into his third season, Howell is considered one of the top players returning in college football after an impressive first two seasons. Right now, he’s one of the early Heisman favorites and if he plays up to that level, he should have the Tar Heels contending for a spot in the ACC title game and potentially a dark horse for the College Football Playoff.

In two seasons Howell has completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 7,227 yards, 68 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. He led UNC to an appearance in the Orange Bowl last season and has the excitement at an all-time high in Chapel Hill.

Howell is losing his top four weapons on offense in Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome but UNC is bringing back some key pieces this year as well.

The Tar Heels will open up their season on Friday, Sept. 3 at Virginia Tech, kicking it off with an ACC showdown in what we hope is a exciting year for the program.

For more on Howell and other UNC Football players, please make sure to check back with Keeping It Heel.