Keeping It Heel
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UNC Football: Tar Heels’ helmet stickers for win over Virginia

ByNick Delahanty|
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 11: Ty Chandler #19 of the North Carolina Tar Heels beats Jontrey Hunter #1 of the Georgia State Panthers to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 11: Ty Chandler #19 of the North Carolina Tar Heels beats Jontrey Hunter #1 of the Georgia State Panthers to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 18: Josh Downs #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels makes a catch for a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 18: Josh Downs #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels makes a catch for a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Josh Downs

Have yourself a night Josh Downs!

The true sophomore had his best game of his young Tar Heel career, as he hauled in eight passes for 203 yards and two scores.

On the Tar Heels’ first drive, Downs showcased his above-average speed. The true sophomore connected with quarterback Sam Howell on a short pass, and worked his way through defenders for a 59-yard score.

After taking the early lead, it didn’t take long for Howell and Downs to connect once again. On the team’s second offensive drive, Downs made a SportsCenter Top 10-worthy diving catch for his second touchdown of the evening.

Downs was a nightmare matchup for the Virginia defense throughout, as the Tar Heels used him effectively to help them consistently move the chains. With his touchdowns in this game, Downs became the first Tar Heel to catch a touchdown pass in each of the team’s first three games of the season since 2011.

Additionally, this marks just the ninth time in UNC football history that a wide receiver surpassed the 200-plus yards mark in a single game. Downs becomes the first since former teammate Dyami Brown accomplished the feat last season.

We knew the Tar Heels would have a tough task with replacing the skill players they lost from last year’s squad. Downs has been very impressive early on, and he’s earning his way to becoming the team’s new No. 1 wide receiver.

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