UNC Football Alumni: Ryan Switzer is emergency QB for Steelers

Former UNC Football standout Ryan Switzer will be the Pittsburgh Steelers emergency quarterback in Week 6 vs. Los Angeles

A former North Carolina wide receiver could find himself playing the quarterback position on Sunday if a lot goes wrong.

With the Pittsburgh Steelers down to their third string quarterback, Devlin Hodges, as the starter in Week 6, they will use former Denver Broncos first round pick Paxton Lynch as the backup. But what would happen if both players had to leave the game with an injury?

Well, it would be ‘next man’ up but in a unique situation.

Steelers wide receiver and former Tar Heels standout Ryan Switzer would be the emergency quarterback for Sunday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Chargers. And if he gets in, it would be in front of the nation as the game is in primetime.

That’s obviously worst case scenario for the Steelers but it would be interesting to see what Switzer could do as a quarterback.

"“No. 10 always handles that,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said via Triblive.com’s Kevin Gorman. “He always takes snaps before the game. He’ll always have the extra wristband off to the side, that type of thing. He might not be able to do as much. There may be a lot on that wrist band that is never called, but there is a lot that you still could do.”"

Switzer was the swiss army knife during his time with the Tar Heels and has sort of carried that into the NFL. In addition to handling return duties, Switzer has lined up as a receiver and running back in Pittsburgh’s offense.

He did throw some passes during his college days and was even a quarterback for a bit in High School before committing to UNC. But as for throwing in the NFL? He’s never done it. The Steelers are certainly hoping it doesn’t come down to Switzer having to take snaps under center.

For more on former UNC Football players in the NFL, please check back with Keeping It Heel.