Lonnie Galloway explains how Josh Downs can take next step in UNC offense

Lonnie Galloway believes North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs can be even better for the Tar Heels in 2022.

Speaking with the media, the Tar Heels offensive coordinator explained how Downs can take the next step in his football progression.

“Just getting into understanding how the defenses are going to try to play him now,” began Galloway. “You know, a lot of bracket stuff. I’m sure people are going to try to do. Just always working on technique. Getting in and out of breaks. Redefining how he can get open. And then for us, just doing the job to where, where we’re going to put him and doing different things with him on how we’re going to use him.

“But you know, just watching himself play, whether or not his hands, his feet, getting in and out of the breaks faster. Where he can improve of playing faster within the offense.”

Afterwards, Galloway was asked just how good Downs can be — and his answer will make Tar Heels faithful smile ear to ear.

“We’re going to see. I hope he’s great,” stated Galloway. “I think he will be.”

Josh Downs identifies areas he can make in impact for North Carolina

Moreover, Josh Downs is back for his junior season at North Carolina after a breakout sophomore campaign but is still looking to get better. After being named first-team All-ACC, the wide receiver still wants to showcase a few different things that are in his arsenal.

When asked how he can improve for the 2022 season, he said being able to play a couple different positions is his main goal. From there, having a better understanding of how his offensive coordinator’s scheme works so he can help train the young pups in the UNC program.

“I could be more versatile and play different positions,” Downs said. “I can definitely be a better blocker on the field. Just understanding the scheme more each and every year. That’s just growing as a player. Understanding Coach Longo’s offense more — that will help the group in all. And then just teaching the young kids and helping them develop. So, that will help the offense as a whole.”

Downs specified what positions he will play this year. After playing slot for the majority of the 2022 season, he is going to be all over the field for the Tar Heels at one point or another.

“I’m going to play some more wideout this year and then I’m going to line up in the backfield again some and in the slot,” Downs said. “So, just being more versatile on offense. Being able to play everywhere.”