UNC Football: Five Most Talented Players

Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) returns a punt for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ryan Switzer, So. Wide Receiver

There is no doubt that Switzer had one of the best freshman seasons ever at Carolina, becoming the first true freshman to win first team all-American honors for UNC.  There is also no doubt that he is extremely talented, with his electrifying speed and slick moves on the field.  However, he won’t have nearly as big an impact this season as he did last year.

Switzer’s main impact as a freshman was his five punt return touchdowns.  But if you return five punts for touchdowns in one season, what is the likelihood that opponents will punt the ball anywhere near you the next year?  Extremely slim.  Switzer will not be nearly as influential on special teams this year, only because he will rarely get a punt he can do anything with.

This means that Switzer will have to make his mark as a wide receiver.  While he was a good receiver last season, with 3 touchdowns and 32 receptions, he was not great.  He’ll be better this year, but will still not be as good as Quinshad Davis, who will have the greatest impact from the receiver position.