UNC Football: Drew Little named to Mannelly Award Watch List

The UNC football long snapper has been named to the Patrick Mannelly Award watch list for the upcoming 2022 college football season.

In college sports, every student-athlete wants to be recognized for their performance on the field.

However, for long snappers, they may hold down the one position in sports that it’s actually a good thing to fly under the radar.

They may not get the credit they deserve, but long snappers are a very essential part of a program’s special teams unit. The UNC football program has a pretty good one, as Drew Little has handled the duties in each of the last three seasons.

Heading into his senior season, Little has received some preseason recognition, as he was named to the Patrick Mannelly Award watch list for the upcoming 2022 season.

This award is presented annually to the player that is viewed to be the best FBS long snapper. The Richfield, North Carolina native is among the list of players to be added to the preseason watch list.

If a long snapper struggles, you’re sure to hear about it. When you don’t hear about them, it means that they are doing their job well.

For the Tar Heels, this hasn’t been an issue, as Little has been a steady presence for the special teams unit. The UNC football program hopes that he’ll continue his strong play heading into his fourth season in Chapel Hill this fall.

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC football news, views, and updates