As talented a quarterback Drake Maye is, Sam Howell is the greatest quarterback to don a Tar Heels uniform.
Howell holds 27 schools records at UNC, including career passing yards (10,283) and touchdowns (92). He was originally drafted by the Washington Commanders in 2022, started for them in 2023 and is now competing for the Seattle Seawhawks‘ starting gig after an offseason trade.
North Carolina isn’t particularly known for its defensive unit, yet it continues to churn out individual defensive stars. Most recently, that star is Cedric Gray, the middle linebacker who’s now a Tennessee Titan. Gray led the Tar Heels in tackles each of the past three seasons, recording 100 each year and a career-best 145 in 2022.
Howell and Gray shared the field at UNC in 2020 and 2021. They are now preparing to face off as opponents on Saturday, Aug. 17, as the Titans host the Seahawks in Week 2 NFL Preseason action.
The two former Tar Heels met up this week, posing for a picture during a joint practice.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-s0TqgJ4CN/
Howell, who is competing with incumbent starter Geno Smith on the depth chart, shined in Seattle’s Week 1 Preseason win. Gray didn’t play last week due to a shoulder injury – and it doesn’t appear he’l play Saturday either.
Still no sign of LB Cedric Gray or LB JoJo Domann at #Titans joint practices today.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) August 14, 2024
While Howell is pretty much guaranteed a roster spot, Gray will have to fight more as a fourth-round pick. Tennessee has shown an ability to develop defensive talent, so Gray has a good shot to remain a Titan.
Will we see the two former UNC stars back in Kenan Stadium for a game this fall?
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