Tag: Pro Heels

Cam Newton named Sam Howell as one of the quarterbacks he would back up

Cam Newton took to social media to name the quarterbacks he would back up, and Sam Howell cracked the list.

Former North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback [autotag]Sam Howell[/autotag] is receiving more praise but this time from former NFL MVP Cam Newton.

Despite sliding to the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell has impressed the Washington Commanders, media, fans, and players around the league with his calm demeanor but explosive play.

Every opportunity Howell was granted his rookie season, he took and displayed some of that Tar Heel magic earning him the pre-season leader for passing yards and beating a playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys in his first regular-season start.

His play earned him a shot at the QB1 spot heading into the 2023 season, with Ron Rivera confirming it over and over again to the media. Now, Newton has joined that praise by releasing a video of the top 10 quarterbacks he would back up for a chance at an NFL return.

Newton credits Howell for being a graduate of his 7-on-7 camp, echoing the reason he would be willing to back up Howell and teach him the ropes. A former MVP vet like Newton could significantly boost Howell’s career.

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Cam Johnson explodes in Nets victory

Cam Johnson explodes for 31 points as he leads the Brooklyn Nets to a 123-114 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Cam Johnson[/autotag] has been putting on a show since entering the league. However, after getting traded to the Brooklyn Nets, resulting in more opportunities, he is taking his game to another level.

As the NBA is in the final stages of the regular season, each win is critical as the Nets look to stay in the sixth spot to secure a playoff spot. However, with just six games left and only one game ahead of Miami for the dreadful seventh seed, which would result in a play-in game for playoffs, each win matters much more.

Wednesday night Johnson and the Nets were in action against the Houston Rockets, and the Tar Heel led the Nets to a thunderous comeback victory. Johnson led all scorers with 31 points, helping the Nets close out on an 18-4 run to beat the Rockets 123-114.

His efficiency made Johnson’s performance that special, shooting 61.1% from the field while tacking on seven rebounds and five assists.

The Brooklyn Nets will continue to count on Johnson as they look to make a playoff push. Johnson and the Nets will return on Friday to take on the Atlanta Hawks.

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Mack Hollins is among the best available WR free agents

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Mack Hollins is among the top free-agent wide receivers.

Former North Carolina Tar Heel [autotag]Mack Hollins[/autotag] will enter the off-season as an unrestricted free agent. 

Hollins signed a one-year two-million-dollar deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2022 season, which paid off. He became a top weapon for quarterback Derek Carr, stepping up as a complimentary wide receiver two behind DeVante Adams.  

Last season Hollins started 16 of 17 games with a career-high in receptions (57) and receiving yards (690). Hollins had his fair share of impactful moments throughout the season, but his most enormous performance came in week three against the Tennessee Titans. The former Tar Heel finished the game with eight receptions for 158 receiving yards and a touchdown. 

Hollins should have his fair share of suitors. He is tied for 5th in receptions for free-agent wide receivers. 

The 29-year-old has revamped his career, and the payoff should come to this off-season. Hollins was a scoring machine during his time at North Carolina, finishing his Tar Heel career with 20 touchdowns.

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