Josh Downs reveals impact of former North Carolina star Ryan Switzer

Ryan Switzer is one of the top wide receivers in North Carolina history, thanks to his ability within the offense but also in the punt game. He was named first-team All-ACC during the 2016 season before eventually leaving in 2016 and getting drafted into the NFL.

Now, Switzer is trying to help out some of the receivers still on campus in Chapel Hill. One is Josh Downs, with the current player calling Switzer “a big brother.” Downs is always open to advice from the current NFL star and knows if Switzer is giving him information, it’s something he should listen to.

“I look up to Ryan,” Downs said. “He’s been in the league for a few years so, whatever he says, I know it’s coming with knowledge. He’s been there, done that. And that it’s coming with love, he’s like a big brother to me. If he’s telling me I need to fix something, I know I probably need to fix it. If he’s telling me I should put something in my arsenal, I should probably put it in my arsenal.”

Downs went on to dive deeper into the relationship, saying the two North Carolina wide receivers are always checking up on one another. Although Downs is already one of the top players in the ACC, he knows there is still a lot to be learned from Switzer. The relationship they have only makes the process easier.

“Seeing a guy like that, that’s been at Carolina and he’s a legend, it means a lot,” said Downs. He has a lot of knowledge in his head. He definitely wants to help coach us, teach us each and every day. He always checks up on me, I always check up on him and whenever I feel like I have a question about something, he’s always there to answer it.”

Downs was named first-team All-ACC as a sophomore, having over 1,000 yards receiving with the Tar Heels last season. He also added eight touchdowns and led the conference with 101 receptions. Add in his ability in the punt game — where Downs averaged 9.8 yards per return — and it’s easy to see why he and Switzer have a solid relationship.

Even with North Carolina undergoing a switch at quarterback, Downs will be hoping to put up similar numbers and potentially join Switzer in the NFL. Another Tar Heel in the NFL would not be surprising under head coach Mack Brown, especially when getting extra help from a school legend.