Drake Maye reveals the lessons he learned from Sam Howell in UNC quarterback room

North Carolina Tar Heels sophomore quarterback Drake Maye has his work cut out for him this offseason. The North Carolina native is competing for the starting quarterback position vacated by Sam Howell after he entered the 2022 NFL Draft. During the Tar Heel’s summer press conference, Maye revealed the lessons he learned from Howell inside the UNC quarterback room.

“Probably his preparation. You know Sam, he’s a workaholic, and obviously, he has toughness, and that mentality plays with,” said Maye. “The first years didn’t get to see it, but that last year kind of shows his game. I saw him in high school a little bit; he was running around. But it’s that mentality he brings and that competitive drive. He’s as competitive as it gets, whether golfing or trying to throw 15-yard comebacks.”

Maye is competing with junior quarterback Jacolby Criswell for the right to replace Howell in the upcoming season. Both quarterbacks were on the roster last season and saw some game action. Chriswell had 21 pass attempts completing 13 of them for 179 yards and a touchdown. Maye had ten pass attempts completing seven of them for 189 yards and a touchdown. As of now, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown has yet to name a starter but has hinted at doing so once the team comes back after the summer. Maye will look to utilize all the tools Howell provided him with during their time together to earn the right to lead the Tar Heels into battle during the 2022 season.

Mack Brown updates UNC quarterback competition, timetable for decision

Mack Brown and the North Carolina Tar Heels are eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing finish to their 2021 season. But in order to do so, the Tar Heels must figure out who will start at quarterback this year after Sam Howell was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. Recently Brown provided an update on North Carolina’s quarterback competition and revealed a timetable for his decision.

“I try to keep things very simple, and to me, we had this same situation three years ago at this time of the year,” said Brown. “We didn’t know who was going to be the starter. We thought it might be Sam, but the other two had more experience. And then it was evident, after summer. Players would come to you, and you’d ask older players who look good in the summer.”