Former UNC quarterback Sam Howell trying to get back on track, starting at Senior Bowl

Kevin Donnalley saw how it affected Howell on the field, and how he responded.

The former Panthers guard, who now works as UNC’s director of high school relations and de facto ambassador, said he was impressed with the maturity Howell showed while breaking in a new set of targets.

“With Sam, he never dwelled on what happened, or the things that were thrown at him,” Donnalley said. “But that’s also just his personality. He’s got an even-keeled mindset, and he’s one of those guys who never gets too high, never gets too low. He would never say a negative word about his teammates.

“He had a way of guiding the team, leading them steadily rather than just yelling at guys. A lot of times that kind of stuff looks good on TV, and people would say ‘Oh, look how fiery that guy is,’ but that’s not his style. I’ve been in that huddle, and you’d much rather have a quarterback who feels real, and upholds the standard by example rather than telling people ‘I’m doing my job, pick it up.'”

And toward that goal, Howell was also willing to pick up the tab.

Donnalley said that Howell tried to keep his NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals private, but he’d turn them into displays of affection for his teammates. Donnalley said that when a group of players would gather on their own to watch film, they’d often find a large delivery of food for them, the quarterback’s way of spreading the wealth.

Howell didn’t mention that part when he talked to reporters, but admitted he had to develop differently, without being able to rely on as much skill-position talent around him.

“I think definitely just my leadership,” he said when asked how he got better last year as a player. “I was challenged a little more with the guys we lost and had to step up more into that vocal role, and bring guys along with me. So I think that’s definitely where I’ve probably gained the most in the last year. . . .

“I definitely learned a lot. I had to do a little more to get those younger guys up to speed, so it was definitely a challenge I was excited for. We had a lot of fun doing it. Obviously, we didn’t have the season we wanted to, but like I said, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I learned so much last season, and overall it made me a better player and a better person.”