5 underrated Heisman Trophy candidates that need to be shown more love

Sam Howell comes into this season as the second-best quarterback in the ACC behind Lawrence. The Tar Heels along with the Virginia Tech Hokies are the favorites to win the ACC Coastal Division. It is hard to win the Heisman if you are not the best player on the best team.

Howell is certainly the best player for Mack Brown and the Tar Heels. Like Slovis, Howell is fresh off of a freshman season that saw him win ACC Freshman of the year. He threw for over 3,500 yards and 38 touchdowns. All three of his top targets return in 2020 as well.

Michael Carter, last season’s leading rusher also returns. The Tar Heels rank ninth in returning offensive production coming into this season. If Howell can continue his growth and maturation as a quarterback, the ‘Heels have a shot to play in the ACC Championship game.

The Tarheels get North Carolina State and Boston College for their crossover. They do not have to worry about Clemson this season. They get Central Florida and Auburn — with fellow Heisman dark horse Nix — in their non-conference.

The schedule and the returning offensive production set up for Howell to have a big season offensively. If they get to Charlotte and find a way to upset Clemson in the title game, Howell could be well on his way to New York City.

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