UNC receiver Damien Washington serves as leader at his position

No drops.

As the North Carolina football team's practice wound down Monday afternoon, receivers coach Gunter Brewer had one more task for his positional group: 24 catches in a row.

The task wouldn’t be too tall for the sure hands of UNC's receivers. Still, as the 24th pass left Brewer’s hand, all eyes were on Damien Washington to finish practice with a snag.

And the senior delivered. 

Washington knows the young Tar Heels at his position look to their leaders in all situations, no matter how routine.

“We’re expected to come out every day and lead,” he said, “and we have to lead by example.”

The Tar Heels return numerous receiving veterans this season, including juniors Mack Hollins, Ryan Switzer and Bug Howard as well as senior Quinshad Davis. But UNC is also stacked with young wide outs with much to learn. 

With three freshmen, three redshirt freshmen and three sophomores on the unit, leaders like Washington are looked to for motivation and to set the tone.

So far, Brewer has been pleased with what he has seen.

“It’s a good recipe for a good offense that we’ve finally got some guys that are pushing each other,” Brewer said.

With new talent on the squad and limited spots at wide receiver, every snap is a competition within the competition for the receivers.

But the players believe everybody wins.

“We all push each other to the limit,” Davis said. “All that does is make each one of us better.”

For most young receivers, the path to playing time can hinge on their performance on special teams. This is a climb Washington knows all too well.

Washington, who saw limited playing time his freshman year, has also been used on special teams, as a defensive back and even at tailback as he has climbed UNC's receiving depth chart.

“He’s been a versatile guy, kind of a jack-of-all-trades,” Brewer said, “so we can put him into a lot of different spots all over the field.”

Washington’s multi-phase contribution in recent years not only makes him a valuable piece to the Tar Heels' offense, but also shapes a path for other young receivers looking to work their way into the fold.

But for Washington, who wears No. 35, it’s all about making sure his team secures a win.

“I just want to come out every Saturday and make plays to help my team get the 'W,'” he said.

For Brewer, one of Washington’s most crucial contributions won’t happen between the opening coin toss and the end of the game. The Tar Heels will look to senior leaders in the locker room ahead of every game.

Washington can be just that.

“Any time you have leaders in your room, it’s big,” Brewer said. “To have great leaders in your room is even bigger."

Washington knows that’s part of his responsibility to the team, and he’s up for the task.

He won’t drop the ball.

sports@dailytarheel.com