If there’s one thing the entire Atlantic Coast Conference can agree on, it’s that Josh Downs is good at football.

The rising junior wide receiver was the top vote-getter in the league in the preseason All-ACC poll, receiving 128 votes out of a possible 164. Downs was also named preseason All-ACC as a return specialist. He was the only player to earn All-ACC honors at multiple positions.

In 2021, Downs became the first UNC player ever to record 100 or more receptions in a single season. He caught 101 passes for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns, breaking Ryan Switzer’s previous single-season reception record in the process. Downs was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top pass-catcher. He is on the preseason watch list for that award this year.

In addition, Downs averaged 9.8 yards per return on 16 punt returns last season, which ranked third in the conference and 13th nationally. He has yet to record a return touchdown in his college career, but is clearly still thought highly of in that regard around the league.

Downs received 12 votes for preseason ACC Player of the Year, tied for sixth with Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham. NC State quarterback Devin Leary received top honors in that poll, after UNC’s Sam Howell earned the honor before the 2021 season.

Downs was the only Carolina player to earn a preseason All-ACC spot. The Tar Heels were picked to finish third in the Coastal Division Tuesday afternoon, behind Miami and defending conference champion Pittsburgh.

To view the entire All-ACC poll, click here.

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