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Josh Downs embraces underdog mentality, makes bold claim about ACC

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•06/29/22
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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 30: North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Josh Downs (11) runs with the football during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the North Carolina Tar Heels on October 30, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium, in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)

The North Carolina Tar Heels star receiver Josh Downs has taken notice of all the naysayers on his team’s expectations for the upcoming season. And during a recent press conference, the speedy wideout addressed the underdog mentality and how the team is embracing that mentality.

“We had a lot of hype on our name last year. This year we’re kind of under the radar right now; people are counting us out,” said Downs. “So I feel like we got a chip on our shoulder. We got a new DC that came in and a few transfers, so I feel like we’re a group that’s pretty slept on. Everybody’s thing is Sam (Howell) left, so they don’t have nothing else; we’re gonna shock the nation.

While the team didn’t do so hot, the same could not be said of Downs. In his sophomore season, the 5-foot-10 junior receiver set a few new records for the Tar Heels. Downs would finish the year with 101 catches for 1335 yards, an average of 13.2 yards per catch, and eight touchdowns.

However, football is not a one-man show, and Downs had a message for everyone doubting the Tar Heels in 2022. He added in a bold claim and statement, warning to the rest of the ACC.

“I love it. I mean, being the underdog is great ’cause that’s just extra motivation right there, and I feel like the whole group feels the same. All of us think we’re the best team in the ACC when we play our best. Being slept on, we just that as another motivation, and we’re going to come out there and show them.”

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.”