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Ryan Switzer

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Ryan Switzer
refer to caption
Switzer with the Oakland Raiders in 2018
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Position:Interim head coach
Personal information
Born: (1994-11-04) November 4, 1994 (age 30)
Charleston, West Virginia
Height:5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight:185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High school:George Washington
(Charleston, West Virginia)
College:North Carolina
NFL draft:2017 / round: 4 / pick: 133
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
  • Tulsa (2023–2024)
    Wide receivers coach & recruiting coordinator
  • Tulsa (2024–present)
    Interim head coach
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:50
Receiving yards:321
Receiving touchdowns:1
Kick return yards:1,373
Punt return yards:537
Punt return touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Head coaching record
Career:0–1 (college)

Ryan Switzer (born November 4, 1994) is an American football coach and former professional football player who is currently the interim head coach for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. He previously played as a wide receiver and punt returner in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons. He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, twice earning first-team All-American honors. Switzer was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns.

Early life

[edit]

Switzer attended George Washington High School in Charleston, West Virginia, where he played on his high school football team, the Patriots.[1] As a Sophomore, he led the team in receiving and scored 12 total touchdowns (receiving, rushing and return combined), averaging over 110 yards all purpose yards per game for the No. 1 ranked team in the state. He finished his senior season with 206 carries for 2,379 yards and 32 touchdowns; he also caught 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns and returned three interceptions for scores.[2]

In addition to football, Switzer participated in basketball, helping lead George Washington to the 2011 AAA state basketball title as their starting point guard.

Also a standout track and field athlete, Switzer finished 5th as a Freshman in the 2010 AAA state track meet in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.19 seconds[3] and 6th in the long jump at 21 feet 6 inches (6.55 m) and was the lead man on the 4×100 and 4×200 teams that won state championships. He was timed at 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, completed the 60-yard shuttle in 7.3 seconds and had a vertical leap of 34 inches.[4] He committed to the University of North Carolina to play college football.[5]

College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Ryan Switzer
WR 		Charleston, WV George Washington HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 168 lb (76 kg) 4.52 Mar 28, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 85
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 47 (WR)   Rivals: 22 (WR)  ESPN: 59 (WR)
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "North Carolina Commit List for 2013". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  • "Scout.com Football Recruiting: North Carolina". Scout.com. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  • "RecruitTracker 2013: North Carolina". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  • "2013 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 11, 2013.

College career

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Switzer in 2012

As a freshman at UNC (University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill) in 2013, Switzer led all NCAA major college players with an average of 20.9 yards per punt return. He accounted for five punt return touchdowns during the season and also had 32 receptions for 341 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.[6][7] On November 2, against NC State, he threw a 59-yard passing touchdown to Quinshad Davis in the 27–19 victory.[8] As a sophomore in 2014, he caught 61 passes for 757 yards and four touchdowns.[9][10] On September 20, against East Carolina, he threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to T. J. Thorpe in the 70–41 loss.[11]

As a junior in 2015, Switzer recorded a team-high 55 receptions for 697 yards and six touchdowns and also returned two punts for scores.[12][13] In October 2015, a controversial decision by the Atlantic Coast Conference negated a 70-yard punt return by Switzer, ruling that he had given an "invalid signal" before the return.[14]

In his senior season, Switzer set a school single-season record with 96 receptions for 1,112 yards and scored six touchdowns.[15] He left North Carolina as the career record holder in both receptions and receiving yards.[16]

Statistics

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Receiving and rushing statistics
Year School Class G Rec Yds Avg TD Rush Yds Avg TD
2013 North Carolina FR 13 32 341 10.7 3 10 29 2.9 0
2014 North Carolina SO 13 61 757 12.4 4 8 29 3.6 0
2015 North Carolina JR 14 54 693 12.8 6 4 10 2.5 0
2016 North Carolina SR 13 96 1,112 11.6 6 3 14 4.7 0
Career 243 2,903 11.9 19 25 82 3.3 0
Return statistics
Year School Class G PR Yds Avg TD KR Yds Avg TD
2013 North Carolina FR 13 24 502 20.9 5 0 0 0
2014 North Carolina SO 13 37 172 4.6 0 1 17 17.0 0
2015 North Carolina JR 14 22 302 13.7 2 1 8 8.0 0
2016 North Carolina SR 13 16 106 6.6 0 0 0 0
Career 99 1,082 10.9 7 2 25 12.5 0

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 8+1⁄2 in
(1.74 m) 		181 lb
(82 kg) 		28 in
(0.71 m) 		9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		 4.51 s 1.56 s 2.63 s 4.00 s 6.77 s 34 in
(0.86 m)		 9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)		 11 reps
All values from 2017 NFL Combine.[17]

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

Switzer was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (133rd overall) in the 2017 NFL draft.[18] He was the fourth of five North Carolina Tar Heels to be selected that year.[19] A hamstring injury forced him to miss multiple training camp practices and the first two preseason games.[20][21]

On September 10, 2017, Switzer made his NFL debut in the season opener against the New York Giants. In the game, his role was being the kickoff and punt returner. He fielded two kick returns for 42 net yards and one punt return for no yards.[22] On September 25, against the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded a three-yard rush on the first carry of his career.[23]

On October 1, against the Los Angeles Rams, he fumbled a punt that the Rams recovered at the Cowboys' 18-yard line and led to a touchdown score five plays later, contributing to a 30–35 loss.[24] On November 30, 2017, Switzer had an 83-yard punt return against the Washington Redskins to score his first career touchdown, and the first Cowboys' punt return touchdown in four years.[25] Outside of the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, he was not given much of a chance at wide receiver, finishing with 4 receptions for 32 yards.[26][27]

He led the team in both punt and kickoff returns.[28] He averaged 8.8 yards per punt return and was ninth-best in the NFL among 20 returners with at least 25 attempts. He averaged 25 yards per kickoff attempt and was third-best in the league among the 10 kick returners with at least 24 attempts.[29] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[30]

Oakland Raiders

[edit]

On April 28, 2018, after the Cowboys acquired Tavon Austin and drafted two wide receivers, Switzer was traded to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Jihad Ward.[31] He was acquired to be the Oakland Raiders' return specialist, reuniting with Rich Bisaccia who was his special teams coach with the Cowboys.[32]

Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]

On August 27, 2018, Switzer was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers along with a 2019 sixth-round draft pick (#175-Sutton Smith), in exchange for a 2019 fifth-round draft choice (#158-Michael Jackson).[33] During the Steelers' Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Switzer recorded his first receiving touchdown as a Steeler on a one-yard reception from Ben Roethlisberger.[34] On November 25, 2018, against the Denver Broncos, Switzer had six receptions for a season-high 67 yards during the loss.[35] He finished the season with 36 receptions for 253 yards, one receiving touchdown, 30 punt returns for 252 yards and 30 kickoff returns for 607 yards.[36]

On November 14, 2019, Switzer was placed on injured reserve with a back injury.[37] On December 26, he was designated for return from injured reserve, and began practicing with the team again, but was not activated as the Steelers failed to make the playoffs.[38] He appeared in 9 games and played only 81 offensive snaps. He registered 8 receptions for 27 yards, 8 punt returns for 29 yards and 9 kickoff returns for 166 yards.

In 2020, he was passed on the depth chart by Ray-Ray McCloud during training camp, and was waived on September 5, 2020.[39]

Cleveland Browns

[edit]

Switzer was signed to the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns on October 1, 2020.[40] He was placed on the practice squad/injured list on November 10, 2020,[41] and restored to the practice squad on December 8, 2020.[42] He was placed on the practice squad/COVID-19 list by the team on December 24, 2020,[43] and restored to the practice squad on December 30.[44]

On January 23, 2021, Switzer signed a reserve/futures contract with the Browns.[45] The Browns placed Switzer on injured reserve on August 16, 2021.[46]

On July 18, 2022, Switzer announced his retirement from the NFL.[47]

Coaching career

[edit]

Tulsa hired Switzer as its wide receivers coach in 2023, under new head coach Kevin Wilson.[48] Tulsa fired Wilson with one game remaining in the 2024 season and Switzer took over as interim head coach.[49]

Head coaching record

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (American Athletic Conference) (2024)
2024 Tulsa 0–1 0–1 T–13th [a]
Tulsa: 0–1 0–1
Total: 0–1
  1. ^ Succeeded Kevin Wilson with one game remaining

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Taylor, Derek (December 24, 2011). "GW's Ryan Switzer receives recognition". The Herald-Dispatch. Archived from the original on March 28, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  2. ^ "10 things to know about Ryan Switzer". SportsDay. February 4, 2018. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  3. ^ "2010 West Virginia WVSSAC Outdoor State Championships - info/results - 05/21/10".
  4. ^ "Ryan Switzer's Football Recruiting Profile". www.ncsasports.org. Archived from the original on November 25, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  5. ^ Pianovich, Stephen (March 29, 2012). "Ryan Switzer Commits To North Carolina". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  6. ^ "Football Bowl Subdivision Records" (PDF). NCAA. 2015. pp. 72–74. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 2, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  7. ^ "Ryan Switzer 2013 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  8. ^ "North Carolina at North Carolina State Box Score, November 2, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  9. ^ "Ryan Switzer College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  10. ^ "Ryan Switzer 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  11. ^ "North Carolina at East Carolina Box Score, September 20, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  12. ^ "Ryan Switzer 2015 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  13. ^ "2015 North Carolina Tar Heels Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  14. ^ Carter, Andrew (October 19, 2015). "ACC stands by controversial call that negated Ryan Switzer punt return". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  15. ^ "Ryan Switzer 2016 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  16. ^ "North Carolina Tar Heels Receiving". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  17. ^ "Ryan Switzer Draft Profile". NFL.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  18. ^ Sessler, Marc (April 29, 2017). "Cowboys add slot receiver Ryan Switzer". NFL.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  19. ^ "2017 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  20. ^ Davison, Drew (July 27, 2018). "Cowboys WR Ryan Switzer isn't too concerned about hamstring injury". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Archived from the original on January 2, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  21. ^ "Cowboys' Ryan Switzer: In line to play Thursday". CBSSports.com. August 28, 2017. Archived from the original on January 2, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  22. ^ "New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys - September 10th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  23. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals - September 25th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
  24. ^ "Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys - October 1st, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  25. ^ "Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys - November 30th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 29, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  26. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles - December 31st, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  27. ^ "Ryan Switzer 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  28. ^ "2017 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  29. ^ "2017 NFL Kick & Punt Returns". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  30. ^ "2017 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  31. ^ Teope, Herbie (April 28, 2018). "Cowboys trade Ryan Switzer to Raiders for Jihad Ward". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  32. ^ "Cowboys Trade Receiver and Kick Returner Ryan Switzer". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. April 28, 2018. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  33. ^ Shook, Nick (August 27, 2018). "Oakland Raiders trading Ryan Switzer to Steelers". NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  34. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - September 24th, 2018". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  35. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos - November 25th, 2018". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  36. ^ "Ryan Switzer 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  37. ^ Varley, Teresa (November 14, 2019). "Nix, Switzer placed on IR". Steelers.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  38. ^ Varley, Teresa (December 26, 2019). "Nix and Switzer designated for return". Steelers.com. Archived from the original on December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  39. ^ Florio, Mike (September 5, 2020). "Steelers release Ryan Switzer in move to 53". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  40. ^ "Browns sign WR Ryan Switzer to practice squad". ClevelandBrowns.com. October 1, 2020. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  41. ^ "Ryan Switzer: Placed on practice IR". CBSSports.com. November 10, 2020. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  42. ^ "Browns make roster moves". ClevelandBrowns.com. December 8, 2020. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  43. ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (December 24, 2020). "Browns LT Jedrick Wills Jr. placed on COVID-19 reserve as close contact unrelated to charity event; 'possibility' he'll face Jets". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  44. ^ "S Ronnie Harrison Jr. activated as Browns make roster moves". ClevelandBrowns.com. December 30, 2020. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  45. ^ "Browns sign WR Ryan Switzer". ClevelandBrowns.com. January 23, 2021. Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  46. ^ "Browns reduce roster to 85". ClevelandBrowns.com. August 16, 2021. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  47. ^ Trotter, Jake (July 18, 2022). "Former Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Ryan Switzer announces retirement". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  48. ^ Baucom, Bryant (January 23, 2023). "Former UNC standout named Tulsa wide receivers coach". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  49. ^ Thamel, Pete (November 24, 2024). "Sources: Tulsa to fire Wilson after latest blowout". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
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