Former UNC Football star regarded as one of college football's top young coaches

Although his days of making highlight-reel plays on the football field are over, Ryan Switzer is still making a major impact on the sport, this time in a coaching capacity.

The former UNC football star earned a spot on 247Sports' "30 under 30" list, one that features the top young coaches and rising stars in college football.

Here's what Chris Hummer had to say about the former Tar Heel:

"You probably remember Switzer from his time as a record-setting receiver or his multiple stints in the NFL. But Switzer joined Tulsa's coaching staff last offseason, and he's found a ton of success as a recruiter. The Golden Hurricanes signed arguably the best G-5 WR class in the country, including a trio of players rated 88 or better that all had multiple P-4 offers. Switzer also helped former walk-on Kamdyn Benjamin go from 18 yards in 2022 to leading the team with 727 (9th in the AAC)."

Now serving as the wide receivers coach at Tulsa, the 29-year-old has had success in multiple areas. On the field, as Hummer noted, Switzer helped Kamdyn Benjamin, a former walk-on put together a breakout season while he's done very well on the recruiting trail.

Recruiting is a major part of college athletics, but it's even more important for coaches to be able to develop that talent once they get them on campus. Based on the early results, Switzer has had the ability to do both.

With his playing experience, Switzer has a lot of wisdom to share with his student-athletes about not only how to succeed on the field, but to thrive as a student-athlete as well. Don't be surprised if Switzer continues to move up the coaching ranks over the next few years, as he definitely could earn a spot on a Power 5 coaching staff if his success at Tulsa continues.

Who knows: maybe Switzer will one day return home to Chapel Hill to become a member of the UNC football program's coaching staff.