UNC Football: Sam Howell Impresses at Commanders’ Training Camp

The former UNC football star is the first Tar Heel quarterback selected in the NFL Draft since Mitch Trubisky and joins former Heel Cole Holcomb in Washington.

Heading into the 2022 season, the Washington Commanders have a new nickname and could have their new quarterback of the future.

Former UNC football standout Sam Howell has impressed onlookers at Commanders’ training camp, showcasing his strong arm and accuracy in small windows. The former Tar Heel completed all four passes during the 9-on-9 drills, drawing praise from Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin.

As Howell battles backup Taylor Heinicke for the QB2 spot on the Washington depth chart, he is taking advantage of the opportunity to gain reps and extra time on the field. The former four-star recruit has consistently been the first Commander out on the field, arriving 30 minutes prior to the start of practice.

Washington selected Howell in the 5th round with the 144th overall pick following a successful career with the UNC football program.

The 2019 ACC Rookie of the Year finished his Tar Heel career as the most decorated quarterback in program history. Howell set the North Carolina record for total offense (11,292 yards), passing yards (10,283), and passing touchdowns (92).

With Howell under center, the Tar Heels earned a bid to the 2021 Orange Bowl and reached three consecutive postseason appearances.

As the Commanders enter their first season with Carson Wentz as the starter, Howell could move up the depth chart before the beginning of the regular season. If the Wentz experiment fails under the Ron Rivera regime, the Washington rookie could be thrust into the starting role before the end of the year.

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