For the past two seasons, both have given headaches to opponents and both have mastered their craft. And in Saturday’s 48-14 victory over Illinois, both set school records.
Davis grabbed his 22nd career touchdown reception, passing Hakeem Nicks for most all-time in UNC history, while Switzer tallied 168 punt return yards to break a single-game record that stood for over 60 years.
Davis’ moment came midway through the second quarter. Senior quarterback Marquise Williams zipped a 9-yard pass to the senior on a quick slant. With the score, Davis broke his 294-day tie with Nicks.
After the touchdown, Davis immediately searched for his mother along the sideline to give her the record-breaking football, which will be put in a trophy case and out of his mind.
“Everyone was talking about it,” Davis said. “‘Q, you need to go ahead and break the record. Q, you need to do this and do that.’ But I’m glad that I finally got it off my chest.”
But Coach Larry Fedora knows breaking the record was never Davis’ main focus.
“Quinshad Davis is the epitome of a team guy...” Fedora said. “His number one thing is to win football games.”
Against the Illini, Davis led the team with five receptions and 56 receiving yards, in addition to his historic score. His friend Switzer believes the record was long overdue.