Ryan Switzer

STRENGTHS: Possesses a compact, athletic frame with naturally low center of gravity due to a disproportionately long torso and short legs. Wins with elite footwork, including instant stop-start ability, a wicked jump cut to elude defenders in tight spaces as well as the burst to break into the open field. Accelerates fluidly and offers good (albeit not great) speed overall. Presents a difficult matchup for cornerbacks, creating separation as a route-runner because of his shiftiness and willingness to go across the middle. Shows no fear as a receiver or returner, rarely opting to signal for the fair catch despite incoming defenders. Willing to run into the teeth of the defense when he spots a seam. Generally catches the ball cleanly, showing soft hands to pull in passes outside of his frame. Locates the ball quickly and fights for it, competing even in jump ball situations in which he would appear overmatched. Shows enough arm strength and accuracy to offer trick play considerations. Respected by his teammates and the UNC coaching staff for his toughness, missing just two of 52 college games and accepting an invitation to the Senior Bowl. WEAKNESSES: Comes with obvious size limitations. Lacks the height and arm length scouts would prefer at wide receiver. Quicker than fast, getting caught from behind a few times on tape. Has to do a better job of securing the ball, failing to wrap both arms around it, at times, when running through traffic. Could be limited in the types of routes and offense in which he will be effective against NFL-caliber athletes, struggling to generate separation when he is asked to run in a straight line for long. IN OUR VIEW: With all due respect to star quarterback Mitch Trubisky, Switzer was the Tar Heels most dynamic threat in 2016. Quick as a hiccup, he was a highlight waiting to happen at the college level. He was perfectly suited to UNC's up-tempo attack, however, and likely needs a similar fit in the NFL to enjoy this kind of production at the next level. COMPARES TO: Julian Edelman, New England Patriots: In terms of his quickness, sure hands and toughness as both slot receiver and returner, Switzer looks like a carbon copy of the Patriots' star.

the proliferation of spread offenses has created a need across the nfl for quick slot receivers and few are better suited for this role than switzer, the most accomplished pass-catcher in the history in tar heels football.

Setting records is nothing new for Switzer, who is the only two-time winner of the Kennedy Award, annually given to the best high school player in the state of West Virginia. He exploded onto the scene as a freshman in 2013, earning All-American honors with five touchdowns scored off of punt returns. The same elusiveness, vision, toughness and soft hands which make him so difficult to contain as a returner also made Switzer the Tar Heels' top receiver the past two years, including as a senior when he set a UNC single-season record with 91 receptions over the regular season for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. Switzer entered his senior campaign with 148 career receptions for 1,795 yards and 11 scores - pretty impressive numbers for a player who starred as a running back in high school.

First-team Parade All-America selection.

Named to the East team roster at the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

Rated the No. 7 wingback by Tom Lemming.

Two-time winner of the Kennedy Award, given to the West Virginia state player of the year.

Only the sixth two-time winner in the award's 66 years.

Twice named the West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year.

Twice named the Kanawha Valley Football Player of the Year by The Charleston Daily Mail.

Class AAA all-state selection.

Twice named the conference player of the year.

Three-time first-team all-state.

Two-time first-team all-state captain. Finished his senior season with 206 carries for 2,379 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Also caught 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns and returned three interceptions for scores.

Had another 40 rushing touchdowns as a junior.

Scored 103 touchdowns in his prep career and finished in the top five in West Virginia history in touchdowns and points.

Had more than 8,100 all-purpose yards.

Is George Washington's all-time leader in rushing, scoring total yards.

2012 Under Armour National Combine champion.

2011 SI.com honorable-mention All-America.

Prepstar All-Atlantic Region selection.

Coached by Steve Edwards.

Helped lead George Washington to the 2011 AAA state basketball title.

Was the AAA state track champion in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays.

Nickname is "Switz".

If he could choose an NFL team to play for, it would be the Panthers.

His dream job is to play in the NFL for 10+ years.

His New Year's resolution was to be an all-around better version of himself.

People say he looks like his father.

Favorite TV show is "The Office".

Favorite food is potato casserole.

The reason he wears No. 3 is because of the Holy Trinity.

His pregame ritual or superstition is to watch a "love" movie the night before.

Favorite off-day activity is laying in bed and watching Christmas movies.

The people who had the biggest impact on his life are his parents Ashley and Michael Switzer.

Exercise and sport science major.

Birthday is November 4.

2016

passing
ATT	YPA	PCT	YDS	INT	TD	COMPLETIONS
1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
4.7	0.0	14.0	3.0	7.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
96.0	11.6	6.0	75.0	1112.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	2.0	2.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
6.6	16.0	0.0	31.0	106.0

2015

passing
ATT	YPA	PCT	YDS	INT	TD	COMPLETIONS
2.0	5.5	0.5	11.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
2.0	0.0	6.0	3.0	13.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
55.0	12.7	6.0	89.0	697.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
8.0	8.0	1.0	0.0	8.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
12.6	24.0	2.0	85.0	302.0