Yesterday's post on the Running Backs was fun, so I figure why not discuss a different position daily while things are kind of slow... So here's day two...

The Wide Receivers

By the Numbers
Last years receiving core (TE's excluded) accounted for:
87 Catches
1160 Yards
13.3 Yards Per Catch
9 TDs

Just to Compare
The leading receiver in the MAC last year was WMU's Jordan White and his numbers were:
94 Catches
1378 Yards
14.7 Yards Per Catch
10 TDs

There were also five receivers in the MAC who had more catches than our receiving core and three who had as many or more TD catches then our receiving core.

2011
I like our receiving core! Thomas, Scott, a healthy Nick Olds, the development of Wheeler and Shelby along with the addition of the new recruits leaves me feeling good about how the passing game could look in the upcoming season. We've just got to get them the ball...

I personally think Kinsman Thomas has all the skills to be a top level MAC receiver. Donald Scott has great athleticism. I think Olds could really become a SOLID possession receiver. We've just got to get them the ball...

What are your thoughts?

It is difficult to measure our WRs because we are a run oriented offense ie possession offense designed in part to keep the pressure off the defense. I also think our passing attack is based on short to intermediate routes. I would love to see how Thomas and Scott would measure up in a spread offense. I see Scott, Thomas and Trey Hunter as starters. Olds as a top reserve. Wheeler worked in rotation. Shelby has good size. Some of the true freshmen will not be redshirted so I see Reed as being active and maybe Tyler Allen being redshirted. True frosh Darius Scott might be more suited to WR. Corey Manns has also played at WR. David Gibson was a late addition.

I believe some of the newcomers may improve the return game.

(07-14-2011 09:35 AM)emu79 Wrote:  It is difficult to measure our WRs because we are a run oriented offense ie possession offense designed in part to keep the pressure off the defense. I also think our passing attack is based on short to intermediate routes. I would love to see how Thomas and Scott would measure up in a spread offense. I see Scott, Thomas and Trey Hunter as starters. Olds as a top reserve. Wheeler worked in rotation. Shelby has good size. Some of the true freshmen will not be redshirted so I see Reed as being active and maybe Tyler Allen being redshirted. True frosh Darius Scott might be more suited to WR. Corey Manns has also played at WR. David Gibson was a late addition.

I believe some of the newcomers may improve the return game.

Completely agree with '79.

I'm curious if we'll see maybe Benz get some PT (he'll need it as the #2) and what he brings to the vertical game (I thought I read that he has a stronger arm).

(07-14-2011 09:50 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(07-14-2011 09:35 AM)emu79 Wrote:  It is difficult to measure our WRs because we are a run oriented offense ie possession offense designed in part to keep the pressure off the defense. I also think our passing attack is based on short to intermediate routes. I would love to see how Thomas and Scott would measure up in a spread offense. I see Scott, Thomas and Trey Hunter as starters. Olds as a top reserve. Wheeler worked in rotation. Shelby has good size. Some of the true freshmen will not be redshirted so I see Reed as being active and maybe Tyler Allen being redshirted. True frosh Darius Scott might be more suited to WR. Corey Manns has also played at WR. David Gibson was a late addition.

I believe some of the newcomers may improve the return game.

Completely agree with '79.

I'm curious if we'll see maybe Benz get some PT (he'll need it as the #2) and what he brings to the vertical game (I thought I read that he has a stronger arm).

Very Strong arm and he can put the ball in tight spots.