The preseason honors keep rolling in for UNC star wide receiver Josh Downs. The junior has already been named to watch lists for several prestigious awards, and now the Associated Press, the Sporting News and CBS Sports have named him a second team All-American.

Downs is the only UNC player on any of the three lists. In addition to his All-America honors, Downs was also named preseason first team All-ACC as both a wide receiver and a returner.

Downs currently holds the UNC record for most receptions in a single season with 101, set last year. Downs turned that century of receptions into 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. He was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top pass-catcher.

Downs could be well-positioned to put up even gaudier numbers in 2022, as UNC’s wide receiver and running back rooms have taken serious hits during the preseason. Receiver Antoine Green, who was the No. 2 option behind Downs last season, is out at least six weeks with a shoulder injury, while running back British Brooks is out for the entire year with a knee injury.

Downs and the Tar Heels will kick off their season on August 27 at 8:15 p.m. in Kenan Stadium against Florida A&M.

To view CBS Sports’ list, click here.

 

Featured image via The Daily Tar Heel/Angelica Edwards

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