Sam Howell makes it official: he will enter his name into the 2022 NFL Draft
Posted January 1, 2022 6:57 p.m. EST
It was a bit of a surprise when Sam Howell decided to play in the Duke's Mayo Bowl instead of opting out, as many high-profile NFL Draft prospects elected to do in their bowl games.
But it was no surprise when Howell announced via a video released by the UNC Football Twitter account that he is going pro.
The video begins with Howell walking to midfield at a dark Kenan Stadium, looking around, and he then sits on a chair to read a letter. The video is interspersed with Howell's highlights as he reads it.
"Dear Carolina, my three years here have been the best years of my life for so many reasons," Howell said. "The relationships I've built here are some that I will cherish forever."
Howell then thanks God, his teammates and his coaches, including Mack Brown and offensive coordinator Phil Longo. He also gave a special nod to UNC defensive backs coach Dre Bly, who he's known since he was 13 years old growing up in Charlotte.
"To all the fans, you guys are the best. It is an honor to go out on the field and play for you guys.
There's been a lot of ups and downs, but you guys have always been there for me and my teammates," Howell said. "The past few years and past few months have been a whirlwind, but I have a lot of peace about the next chapter in my life. With that being said, I'm excited to announce that I'll be entering the 2022 NFL Draft.
"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'll be, it'll be good," Howell said. "God bless." The video ends with Howell standing up and walking off the field.
Howell finished his three-year Carolina career with not only UNC's all-time passing yards and touchdown records, but also challenging several in the ACC in spite of only playing three years.
Howell and former Clemson quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence are the only ACC quarterbacks to crack 10,000 yards in just three seasons. Howell finished his career fifth in ACC career passing yardage (10,283) and third in ACC career passing touchdowns (92). He entered his career with 1,009 rushing yards as well, largely on the strength of his 828 rushing yards this season. He had another 17 touchdowns on the ground and another two receiving in his career for 111 total.
