North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell announced Saturday that he is declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft following his junior season with the Tar Heels. Howell spent three seasons as the program’s starter, throwing for 10,283 yards, 92 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. UNC finished the 2021 season 6-7 following a 38-21 loss to South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec. 30.
“These past three years, and especially the past few months, have been a whirlwind,” said Howell in a video announcing his decision. “But I have a lot of peace about the next chapter of my life. With that being said, I am excited to announce that I will be entering the 2022 NFL Draft. I will forever be grateful for my time here at Carolina and for all the people who made it so special. Chapel Hill will always hold a special place in my heart. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m hopeful and I know whatever it may be, it’ll be good. God bless.”
Howell played a key role in revitalizing the program under coach Mack Brown, who just concluded the third season of his second stint as UNC’s coach. Though this season’s 6-7 record was a disappointment following a preseason No. 10 ranking, the Tar Heels are in a much better spot as a program now following Howell’s three-year tenure at QB under Mack. Prior to Howell’s and Brown’s arrival to Chapel Hill, UNC was 5-18 over the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
The former four-star prospect from Indian Trail, North Carolina, ends his college career as UNC’s all-time leader in yards passing and touchdown passes. The 38 touchdown passes he threw as a freshman were the most in a single season by any quarterback in program history.
Howell’s draft standing
Howell ranks as the No. 5 quarterback and No. 55 overall prospect in CBS…
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