CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former George Washington high school standout and two-time Kennedy Award winner Ryan Switzer was taken in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday by Dallas.
The Cowboys selected the North Carolina All-American with the overall 133rd pick — he was the first offensive player taken by Dallas.
“I saw the Dallas area code (when the phone rang) and to hear Jerry Jones on the other end of the line was just surreal,” Switzer said Saturday on a conference call with Dallas reporters.
Switzer collected seven career punt return touchdowns with North Carolina and is anticipated to make an immediate impact there with the Cowboys.
“I think I’m the best returner in the draft. I think Dallas knew that,” Switzer said. “I just finished my fourth year playing receiver at any level, so I think my background as a running back, my vision allows me to make things out of nothing happen.
“I’m also a tough guy. I take risks. I field punts that some guys usually wouldn’t, which has allowed me to have success at the college level. Hopefully I can continue to have opportunities at the next level with it.”
Switzer also set UNC records for career receptions (244), career receiving yards (2,907), career punt return yards (1,082), career punt return touchdowns (7) and single-season receptions (96 in 2016).
Mark Dulgerian of NFL.com breaking down the fit with Switzer and Dallas:
“Switzer, a Cole Beasley clone (in more ways than one), should step in as their primary punt returner right away before graduating to starting slot duties down the line.”