Josh Downs identifies areas he can make in impact for North Carolina

Josh Downs is back for his junior season at North Carolina after a breakout sophomore campaign but is still looking to get better. After being named first-team All-ACC, the wide receiver still wants to showcase a few different things that are in his arsenal.

When asked how he can improve for the 2022 season, he said being able to play a couple different positions is his main goal. From there, having a better understanding of how his offensive coordinator’s scheme works so he can help train the young pups in the UNC program.

“I could be more versatile and play different positions,” Downs said. “I can definitely be a better blocker on the field. Just understanding the scheme more each and every year. That’s just growing as a player. Understanding Coach Longo’s offense more — that will help the group in all. And then just teaching the young kids and helping them develop. So, that will help the offense as a whole.”

Downs specified what positions he will play this year. After playing slot for the majority of the 2022 season, he is going to be all over the field for the Tar Heels at one point or another.

“I’m going to play some more wideout this year and then I’m going to line up in the backfield again some and in the slot,” Downs said. “So, just being more versatile on offense. Being able to play everywhere.”

Josh Downs speaks more on position versatility

Even though Downs finished second in the ACC with 101 receptions last season and had over 1,000 yards receiving, he knows being more versatile will be important for the NFL. Slot has been primarily where he has lined up in college but has played other positions leading until then.

Downs has a plan with both head coach Mack Brown and offensive coordinator Phil Longo, reiterating his desire to get on the outside. It’s a position he played throughout his entire high school career and will bring it back to Chapel Hill this season.

“Coach Longo has always told me I am versatile and then Coach Mack said he has been telling the offensive coaches I got to play outside this year,” said Downs. “Also for me. For my development and the next level, I feel like I need to show I can play everywhere and not just in the slot. I don’t think I’m just a pure slot.

“I mean, I played outside my whole high school career and I played it a lot throughout my whole life. I played running back all the way up until high school. I feel like I can do a little bit of everything, just showing that I am not a one-way player, I can do a lot of things.”

Downs is also an elite punt returner, averaging just under 10 yards per return. He is going to be a do it all man for North Carolina this year — even more than he did during the 2021 season.