WRs

[ojaipony]

So this position is the biggest question mark for me other than DE in terms of what kind of performance will we get. I think we have two young men coming into the program who could be game changers for us (Taylor and Gaines) -- unfortunately, it might not be this year. Here's how I see our depth chart here. What do you think?

Starters:
Jeremy Johnson
Darius Joseph
Der'rik Thompson
Daijuan Stewart

2nd:
Holman
Guinyard
Lagasse
Gaines

3rd:
Taylor
Holleman
Nelson
Sanders, Jr

[GrapevineMustang]

It's a mistake to leave Kenneth Acker off that list. June Jones and Jason Phillips seem to really like him, and he might be the best athlete on the team. It wouldn't be surprising if he starts before the season is over.

I hope you're right that Stewart becomes so good that the coaches can't help but start him, but I'm curious what makes you put him down as a starter? He didn't take a single snap last year, and I assume ran with the scout team in practice. Do you know something about him that we don't?

My guesses:

First team
Jeremy Johnson, Der'Rikk Thompson, Keenan Holman, Darius Johnson

Second team
JaBryce Taylor, Jeremiah Gaines, Ryan Walker, Kenneth Acker (unless he gets promoted to the first team)

Third team
Stephen Nelson, Nate Halverson, Deion Sanders, Arrius Holleman

[ClickClack]

What makes you have Stewart on the 1st team? I have not heard any positive reports on him. In fact, the only mentions of him I have heard have been negative in that he has been have trouble catching the ball and with concentration.

Johnson and Joseph should be starting in the slot and I think they will be solid.

Hopefully Thompson can break out this year on the outside with his blazing speed. We really need the other outside receiver to step up because Holman has been very dissapointing.

All reports on Halverosn and Sanders Jr have been positive, look for them to push for time.

I think we will rotate receivers more this year than in the past.

[ClickClack]

I heard Christian Holloway migth start at WR. Ojaipony, you think he has upside there?

[SMU 86]

I agree in that Halverson and Sanders could push for playing time. I think Taylor could as well.

[ponyte]

Because of the running game (QB and RB) I think the receivers that can also block get the starting positions. Nothing against Acker, but blocking takes time and work to develop. I don't see him as a starter. If he is in there, it might just be a message to D's that it is a pass only play as he might not be a competent blocker.

I would't count out Sanders too quickly. A very athletic slot receiver can make a big inpact and might not need to run the sharp route running skills of the wide outs.

[WordUpBU]

Because of the running game (QB and RB) I think the receivers that can also block get the starting positions. Nothing against Acker, but blocking takes time and work to develop. I don't see him as a starter. If he is in there, it might just be a message to D's that it is a pass only play as he might not be a competent blocker.

I would't count out Sanders too quickly. A very athletic slot receiver can make a big inpact and might not need to run the sharp route running skills of the wide outs.

Judging by Jones history at Hawaii and how both SMU and my school can use the threat of a bubble screen to "block" a defender it doesn't seem to put a premium on size. I'd expect a guy like Cole Beasley who is fast, has good hands, and runs good routes.

[JoeKidd]

Thompson, Joseph and JJ are locks with Holman either needing to step up or be pushed out by a younger plaer. Since Sanders Jr and Halverson are more slot type receivers I don't see it being either one of them or a true frosh as it will take them time to learn this system, so...mayben Holleman?

If Acker can't start as one of the slots I see him going back to D as a starting corner and maybe getting a few select O snaps a game. He is too valuable to the D to be a 2nd string wideout.

[PonyPlayer4]

If they were bad last year, and you go with the same bad this year... why should we expect anything but bad this year? No playmakers, no studs. DJ had a hard time lear getting open last year because teams didn't have to worry about anyone else. It will be even worse this year.

[PonySnob]

Hard to believe in year six of the "run-n-shoot" we are worried about the play of the WR's........

[Rebel10]

I think Mumme will make our group of wr's better.

[Hoss]

1. I agree that the entire offense will be better this year with Mumme.
2. The sixth year in the offense, Snob, was also the first year with a new WRs coach and new QB.
3. With the exception of Jeremy Johnson, last year's inconsistent performance would make me think nobody should be a "lock."

[couch 'em]

1. I agree that the entire offense will be better this year with Mumme.

Isn't that what everyone said a year ago about Phillips?

[Hoss]

Some did, I think. They struggled at times, especially at the beginning of the year, but got better as the season went along. Hopefully that trend continues.

[JasonB]

Keep in mind that we have everyone back (except for DJ, who wasn't himself last year). That means the WR group will improve - either the current starters will grow, or they are going to be passed by the folks behind them.

Also, with the recruitment of Gaines, look for more 3 WR sets this season.

And, please keep in mind that Taylor is the 7th rated WR on our roster from a recruiting perspective. Good ratings on Scout and Rivals, but none on ESPN, and didn't have quality offers. I wouldn't expect him to be a starter, at least not right away.

How do I think it lines up in the fall?

Starters going in: DT, DJ, JJ, Holman

DT looks like a lock to start, honestly. He was really good in the spring, much more consistent. And there isn't anyone behind him that is going to challenge for the position until The frosh arrive in the fall.

Behind DJ and JJ, there are a ton of quality receivers in the slot: Sanders, Stewart, Guinyard, Lagasse. And throw in more 3 WR sets and there is quite a backlog of talent. I don't think anyone has the impression that slot is a problem.

At the other wide, Holman, Ace and Nate will go at it and see who comes out on top. That is the huge position of weakness. Last year it was awful until they finally moved Fuller out there. Holman will need to make some major steps forward, or else he is going to lose his job, because Nate and Ace both showed flashes this spring.

All this being said, I think the significant changes in the offense, another year for Gilbert and Burcham in the offense, and a better offensive line are going to have a bigger impact on the offense than improvements at receiver.