Sophomore receiver Josh Downs has arguably been UNC’s most consistent player on either side of the ball in 2021. Downs has caught a touchdown in each of the team’s first four games, the first Tar Heel to do so since 1979. Now, awards voters around the country are beginning to take notice.
Downs was named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award Wednesday. The Biletnikoff Award honors the top pass-catcher in the country at any position and is one of college football’s most prestigious honors. Past winners include 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith of Alabama and NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech. Downs would be the first Tar Heel to ever win the award.
Including the 2021 Orange Bowl against Texas A&M, Downs has caught touchdowns in his last five games. For the 2021 season, he is averaging 113 receiving yards per game, and tallied a season-high 203 yards against Virginia in Week 3. The 203 yards were more than his entire freshman season output.
Downs’ 32 catches, 452 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season all rank second in the ACC and in the nation’s top 10. His 21 first downs and 273 yards gained after the catch are both good for No. 3 in the nation.
Downs is also active on special teams, returning a punt against the Cavaliers for 38 yards and being named both Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Game by head coach Mack Brown for his efforts.
Featured image via 247 Sports
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