UNC gets bowl boost: Sam Howell decides to play in Charlotte game vs. South Carolina
North Carolina junior quarterback Sam Howell will play against South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec. 30, the News & Observer has confirmed, in what is expected to be the final game of his college career. The news was first reported by ESPN.com.
UNC coach Mack Brown has repeatedly said Howell will leave for the NFL after this season, although the Indian Trail native, who has started 36 of the past 37 games for UNC, has not publicly declared his intentions. Howell did participate in the Tar Heels’ Senior Day acknowledgments at Kenan Stadium.
Carolina had four starters opt out of the Orange Bowl last season to begin preparing for the NFL draft.
Howell will presumably finish his career in Carolina blue against the team and in the place where it all began. In his first game as a freshman starter, Howell led the Heels to a 24-20 upset of the Gamecocks for the 2019 season opener held in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.
Howell became the school’s all-time leader in total offense and passing yards this season. He missed his first and only game of his career on Nov. 20 against Wofford to help him recover from an upper body injury that happened in their loss to Pitt.
Howell was more than just a drop back passer this season for the Tar Heels. He was second on the team with 825 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns. He’s passed for 2,851 yards with 23 touchdowns.
This story was originally published December 6, 2021 at 1:08 PM with the headline "UNC gets bowl boost: Sam Howell decides to play in Charlotte game vs. South Carolina."