UNC Football: North Carolina helmet stickers vs Texas A&M

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 02: Dazz Newsome #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels catches a touchdown pass against Antonio Johnson #27 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the second quarter of the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 02, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 02: Josh Downs #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels catches his second touchdown pass against the Texas A&M Aggies in the fourth quarter of the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 02, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Josh Downs

The “Next Man Up” mentality definitely was a major focal point for the Tar Heels in their Orange Bowl battle.

Without Dyami Brown, the Tar Heels were definitely missing one of Sam Howell’s favorite targets. However, a freshman receiver had a major opportunity to shine.

Freshman Josh Downs had a huge game, as he caught all four of his targets for 91 yards. On two of his receptions, the Suwanee, GA native found the end zone, including a major 75-yard grab on the Tar Heels first offensive play of the fourth quarter.

A 75-yard 💣 to Josh Downs!pic.twitter.com/SRdjTr2FFM
— Stadium (@Stadium) January 3, 2021

During the regular season, the freshman hauled in a total of three passes for 28 yards and a score. Due to the Tar Heels depth at wide receiver, it was difficult for Downs to find opportunities in the passing game.

Downs finally got his opportunity in the Orange Bowl, and he definitely made the most of it.

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