2-time All-ACC WR Downs leaving UNC for NFL

Two-time All-ACC broad receiver Josh Downs is leaving North Carolina for the NFL, he informed ESPN.

Downs is the No. 4 rated broad receiver within the upcoming draft, based on ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay, making him one of many prime receiving prospects out there for NFL groups.

Downs had back-to-back seasons of greater than 1,000 yards receiving for the Tar Heels and caught 22 profession landing passes. In simply three seasons at UNC, he rose to No. 4 on the all-time receiving checklist (2,483) and No. 2 general in landing catches.

He is not going to play within the San Diego County Credit score Union Vacation Bowl in opposition to Oregon.

Downs stated he got here to the choice after talking along with his father, Gary Downs, a former NFL participant who’s an assistant coach at East Tennessee State, and his coaches at North Carolina.

“I made a decision to take it to the following degree and declare for the NFL draft,” he informed ESPN.

Downs says he is assured that he is the “finest broad receiver within the draft” and inspired evaluators to dig into his movie.

“I simply really feel like whenever you activate the tape, I persistently win again and again and make performs with the ball when it comes my approach,” he stated.

Downs is listed on his UNC bio at 5-foot-10.5 and 175 kilos and his NFL comp will likely be former Penn State broad receiver Jahan Dotson. Downs stated he is assured he can play each in and out within the NFL. He stated he’ll begin coaching quickly at XOS and can head there full-time after the vacations.

“I am excited to point out my actual velocity within the 40,” he stated. “I will run a 4.3. I will put my title on it proper now.”

Downs credit his father’s NFL profession for “jumpstarting” his personal profession and feels honored for the possibility to comply with him to the league.

“I grew up bragging on my dad taking part in within the NFL,” he stated. “He was my function mannequin. In fact I wished to do the identical factor.”

An NFL scout who studied Downs known as him the very best draft eligible “prospect within the state of North Carolina this yr.” He stated Downs’ versatility on particular groups returning punts for UNC makes him extra enticing.

“He is not massive, however he is muscled up,” the scout stated. “He is received sufficient thickness to him. He is fast as a cat, can get open and could be a dynamic playmaker with the ball. All these NFL receivers are such playmakers now, it is modified the best way that groups take a look at the place.”

Downs caught balls at UNC from two of the best quarterbacks in school soccer — Sam Howell and Drake Maye, who’s a favourite to be a prime choose within the 2024 draft. Downs stated he selected to play for Mack Brown at North Carolina due to just lately departed coordinator Phil Longo’s dynamic offense and the best way they handed the ball. He complimented Longo’s creativity to maneuver him round and get him the ball.

He stated he feels lucky to have had two nice quarterbacks assist him showcase his abilities. At his subsequent cease, Downs stated one trait will outline him.

“I really feel like I am the toughest employee in America,” he stated, “and nobody goes to outwork me.”