UNC Football bowl game helmet stickers vs. South Carolina

2 of 5

Dec 30, 2021; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Josh Downs (11) tries to catch the ball as South Carolina Gamecocks defensive backs Jaylan Foster (12) and Carlins Platel (21) defend in the second quarter during the 2021 Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Downs

By no means was this Downs’ best performance of the season. In fact, this is just the second time that the Suwanee, Georgia native failed to record five or more receptions in a game this season.

Although the Gamecocks did a great job of limiting Downs, he still did just enough to make some ACC history.

With two catches today, Josh Downs has become the fourth player in ACC history to notch 100 in a season. He joins Jamison Crowder (2013), Sammy Watkins (2013) and Steve Ishmael (2017).
— Pat James (@patjames24) December 30, 2021

Downs is now just the fourth player in ACC history to record 100 catches in a single season. He becomes the first player to accomplish the feat since Steve Ishmael did it back in 2017.

This milestone is a testament to how good Downs was all season long. After graduating a ton of playmakers a year before, the sophomore wide receiver stepped up in a huge way, quickly becoming a focal point in the Tar Heels offensive attack.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for the Tar Heels this season. However, the future is bright, especially with Downs in the mix, as he’ll be a very reliable target for whoever North Carolina’s signal-caller will be next season.

Home/UNC Football