UNC Football: Josh Downs Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List

The UNC football rising junior burst onto the scene in the 2021 Orange Bowl, recording four catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

After cementing himself as one of the best wide receivers in college football, the preseason recognitions for UNC standout Josh Downs continue ahead of his junior campaign.

Downs, who was previously tabbed as a preseason All-American and named to the Maxwell Award watch list, can add another nomination to his resume.

On Thursday, the Suwanee, Georgia native was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation. Each year, the Biletnikoff Award is presented to college football’s most outstanding past catcher, regardless of position.

The preseason hype for Downs stems from his record-setting sophomore season, where he etched his name in the UNC football record books.

Downs set North Carolina single-season records for receptions and receiving yards, hauling in 101 passes for 1,335 yards. The First Team All-ACC selection led the conference in receptions and ranked fifth in all of college football.

Last season, his 1,335 receiving yards were good for second in the ACC and 11th in the country, averaging 102.7 yards per game.

A 2022 Biletnikoff semifinalist, Downs reached the endzone eight times, recording a touchdown in the Tar Heels’ first seven games.

As former signal caller Sam Howell heads to the National Football League, uncertainty surrounds the quarterback position for Mack Brown and company. Regardless of who is under center in Phil Longo’s offense, Downs will be a centerpiece of the North Carolina offense.

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