Wikipedia

Ryan Switzer

Ryan Switzer(born November 4, 1994) is anAmerican footballcoach and former professional football player who is currently the interim head coach for theTulsa Golden Hurricane.He previously played as awide receiverandpunt returnerin theNational Football League(NFL) for five seasons. He playedcollege footballfor theNorth Carolina Tar Heels,twice earning first-teamAll-Americanhonors. Switzer was selected by theDallas Cowboysin the fourth round (133rd overall) of the2017 NFL draft.He was also a member of thePittsburgh Steelers,andCleveland Browns.

Ryan Switzer
Switzer with theOakland Raidersin 2018
Current position
TitleInterimhead coach,wide receiverscoach and recruiting coordinator
TeamTulsa
ConferenceAAC
Record0–0
Biographical details
Born(1994-11-04)November 4, 1994(age 30)
Charleston, West Virginia,U.S.
Playing career
2013–2016North Carolina
2017Dallas Cowboys
2018Oakland Raiders
2018–2019Pittsburgh Steelers
2020–2021Cleveland Browns
Position(s)Wide receiver
Coaching career (HCunless noted)
2023–2024Tulsa(WR/RC)
2024–presentTulsa (interim HC)
Head coaching record
Overall0–0
Accomplishments and honors
Awards

Early life

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Switzer attendedGeorge Washington High SchoolinCharleston, West Virginia,where he played on hishigh school footballteam, the Patriots.[1]As a junior, he led the team in receiving and scored 12 totaltouchdowns(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 206carriesfor 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 inbasketball,helping lead George Washington to the 2011 AAA state basketball title as their startingpoint guard.

Also a standouttrack and fieldathlete, Switzer finished 5th in the 2010 AAA state track meet in the100-meter dashwith a time of 11.19 seconds[3]and 6th in thelong jumpat 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 the40-yard dash,completed the60-yard shuttlein 7.3 seconds and had avertical leapof 34 inches.[4]He committed to the University of North Carolina to playcollege football.[5]

UScollege sports recruitinginformation for high school athletes
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
Recruiting star ratings:Scout:Rivals:247Sports:N/AESPN grade: 80
Overall recruiting rankings:Scout:47 (WR)Rivals:22 (WR)ESPN:59 (WR)
  • ‡ Refers to40 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.RetrievedFebruary 11,2013.
  • "Scout.com Football Recruiting: North Carolina".Scout.com.RetrievedFebruary 11,2013.
  • "RecruitTracker 2013: North Carolina".ESPN.com.RetrievedFebruary 11,2013.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings".Scout.com.RetrievedFebruary 11,2013.
  • "2013 Team Ranking".Rivals.com.RetrievedFebruary 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 allNCAAmajor college players with an average of 20.9 yards perpunt return.He accounted for five punt return touchdowns during the season and also had 32receptionsfor 341 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.[6][7]On November 2, againstNC State,he threw a 59-yard passing touchdown toQuinshad Davisin 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 twopuntsfor scores.[12][13]In October 2015, a controversial decision by theAtlantic Coast Conferencenegated 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 ft8+1⁄2in
(1.74 m) 		181 lb
(82 kg) 		28 in
(0.71 m) 		9+1⁄4in
(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 2017NFL Combine.[17]

Dallas Cowboys

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Switzer was selected by theDallas Cowboysin the fourth round (133rd overall) in the2017 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 multipletraining camppractices and the first two preseason games.[20][21]

On September 10, 2017, Switzer made his NFL debut in the season opener against theNew 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 theArizona Cardinals,he recorded a three-yard rush on the first carry of his career.[23]

On October 1, against theLos 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 theWashington Redskinsto score his first career touchdown, and the first Cowboys' punt return touchdown in four years.[25]Outside of the season finale against thePhiladelphia Eagles,he was not given much of a chance atwide 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

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On April 28, 2018, after the Cowboys acquiredTavon Austinand drafted twowide receivers,Switzer was traded to theOakland Raidersin exchange fordefensive tackleJihad Ward.[31]He was acquired to be theOakland Raiders' return specialist, reuniting withRich Bisacciawho was hisspecial teamscoach with the Cowboys.[32]

Pittsburgh Steelers

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On August 27, 2018, Switzer was traded to thePittsburgh Steelersalong 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 theTampa Bay Buccaneers,Switzer recorded his first receiving touchdown as a Steeler on a one-yard reception fromBen Roethlisberger.[34]On November 25, 2018, against theDenver 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 oninjured reservewith 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 byRay-Ray McCloudduring training camp, and was waived on September 5, 2020.[39]

Cleveland Browns

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Switzer was signed to thepractice squadof theCleveland Brownson 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-19list 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

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Tulsahired Switzer as its wide receivers coach in 2023, under new head coachKevin 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

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Tulsa Golden Hurricane(American Athletic Conference)(2024–present)
2024 Tulsa 0–0 0–0 [a]
Tulsa: 0–0 0–0
Total: 0–0
  1. ^SucceededKevin Wilsonwith one game remaining

See also

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References

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