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Is Josh Downs in line to make UNC Football history?

By Nick Delahanty

Jul 21, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs talks to the media during the second day of ACC Media Days at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs talks to the media during the second day of ACC Media Days at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Heading into what could be his final season in Chapel Hill, could Josh Downs make some UNC Football history before he departs?

Before his time with the UNC Football program officially comes to an end, standout wide receiver Josh Downs has the potential to re-write some of North Carolina’s receiving records.

As he prepares for his junior season, Downs has earned a ton of preseason recognition, most recently being named to the Walter Camp Award Watch List. After a very strong sophomore season, the Suwanee, Georgia native has put himself in the mix as one of the top potential available wide receivers in next year’s NFL Draft.

However, Downs still has at least one more season in Chapel Hill and has some unfinished business to take care of in the process.

Downs has the ability to challenge the school’s receiving yards and receiving touchdowns record. Here’s where the records currently stand compared to Downs’ career numbers at North Carolina:

Receiving Yards Leader: 2,903 (Ryan Switzer: 2013-2016)
Josh Downs currently: 1,454 (1,449 receiving yards behind the record)

Receiving Touchdowns: 25 (Quinshad Davis: 2012-2015)
Josh Downs currently: 11 (14 receiving touchdowns behind the record)

Last season, Downs recorded 1,335 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. As he only would have to make a small jump in yards (114 yards more to be exact), he’d have to find the endzone almost double the amount if he wishes to challenge the record in a single season.

If by some chance, Downs does stay for four years (UNC football fans would selfishly LOVE this), it’s safe to say that both of these records will be shattered. It isn’t a stretch to say that Downs will come close to Switzer’s record this season, given that he’ll once again be the focal point of the Tar Heels’ offensive attack.

As Downs chases UNC football history, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Greg McElroy tabs Tar Heels to win Coastal Division. dark. Next

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