Josh Downs is headed to the league.
The Indianapolis Colts selected the record-breaking former UNC wide receiver with the 79th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft Friday night.
Chapel Hill ▶️ Indy
Josh Downs is a Colt!@Colts | #ProHeels pic.twitter.com/j34jkg1gi2
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) April 29, 2023
“This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid and I’m so thankful and blessed to be in this position,” Downs said in a release from Carolina Football. “I want to thank the Colts organization for putting their faith in me and giving me the opportunity to represent the franchise. I want to thank my family. Your support has meant everything. I also want to thank all my coaches and teammates throughout the years. You’ve helped me get where I am today and I appreciate each and every one of you. I can’t wait to get to Indianapolis and get the next part of this journey going.”
Despite only starting for two seasons in Chapel Hill and missing two games during the 2022 season, Downs ranks third in UNC history in total receptions (202), fourth in receiving yards (2,483) and second in touchdowns (22). During his sophomore season in 2021, Downs became the first UNC wide receiver ever to record 100 catches in a single season, breaking Ryan Switzer’s program record of 96. Downs followed that up by catching 94 passes in his junior season, which ranks third in program history behind Switzer and his aforementioned sophomore campaign, when he finished with 101. Downs is also one of just eight players in Carolina history to eclipse the 200-yard mark in a single game.
The 2021 season also saw Downs shatter the program record for receiving yards in a single season. His final tally of 1,335 bested Hakeem Nicks’ old record by more than 100 yards. Downs’ 11 touchdown receptions in 2022 rank second in single-season program history, behind a three-way tie between Nicks, Dwight Jones and Downs’ former teammate Dyami Brown.
“We’re all so excited for Josh and the Downs family,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown. “Josh is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached, and as a result, became one of the greatest receivers in Carolina history. He constantly works at his craft and takes every opportunity to be the best player he can be. One thing I appreciate about Josh is that he’s never satisfied and he’s always looking for a way to get better. Those characteristics will serve him well as he transitions to the next level and I’m looking forward to watching him play with the Colts.”
Downs is the first Tar Heel to hear his name called in this year’s NFL Draft, though several of his teammates have also declared. Fellow receiver Antoine Green has entered his name into the draft, along with offensive lineman Asim Richards, defensive lineman Ray Vohasek and linebacker Noah Taylor.
The 2023 NFL Draft will run through Saturday in Kansas City.
Featured image via Inside Carolina/Jim Hawkins
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