North Carolina’s two-time All-ACC wide receiver Josh Downs has officially announced that he will be leaving the school to enter the NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Downs had back-to-back seasons of more than 1,000 yards receiving for the Tar Heels and caught 22 career touchdown passes and enters the NFL Draft as one of the top receiving prospects available.
“I decided to take it to the next level and declare for the NFL draft,” Downs said. “I just feel like when you turn on the tape, I consistently win over and over and make plays with the ball when it comes my way.”
“I’m excited to show my real speed in the 40,” he said. “I’m going to run a 4.3. I’ll put my name on it right now.”
“I grew up bragging on my dad playing in the NFL,” Downs continued. “He was my role model. Of course I wanted to do the same thing.”
“I feel like I’m the hardest worker in America,” Downs said, “and no one is going to outwork me.”
The report cited an NFL scout that studied Downs and called him best draft-eligible “prospect in the state of North Carolina this year” and applauded his versatility on special teams, which adds to his value.
“He’s not big, but he’s muscled up,” the scout said. “He’s got enough thickness to him. He’s quick as a cat, can get open and can be a dynamic playmaker with the ball. All these NFL receivers are such playmakers now, it’s changed the way that teams look at the position.”
