Wide Receivers

[Johnny Rock]

Does anyone closely associated with the team know the health of the Commet? Also, will Jay Taylor get more passes thrown his way next season? I was suprised that he was not more involved in the offense this year. He is a big receiver and in my opinion should have had more passes thrown to him over the middle and fade routes in the end zone. The wide receivers must make big plays next season, because every team will focus on the run. Just some thoughts.

[Vitale]

I hear Comet's rehab is coming along well (Joyous - maybe you can shed some light?)

I'm like you, I'd like to see more balls thrown in the direction of Jay Taylor. Remember when he signed and some people were comparing him to Randy Moss (basically because he's tall)? In practice, he sometimes looks like Randy Moss. He's a legit 6-5, and fast. Not Moss-fast, but fast. And he can jump a mile high, he has huge hands, and in practice, he'll make some unbelievable plays. But then he sprinkles in some really bad plays - dropped balls, poor routes, missed down-field blocks - and therefore he didn't get in the game much. The coaches have always said they want to see consistent performance in practice (see the delay in getting Bartel on the field). When he eliminates the brain shutdowns in practice, I imagine he'll become a much bigger part of the offense.

Too bad Cavan screwed him out of a redshirt by getting him in as a true freshman - to catch 2 passes.

[SMUguy]

I still want to know how they're going to spread the ball around.

~ Comet, if he's healthy, is our best receiver.
~ Taylor is huge and could be terrific.
~ Trey Griffin is the fastest receiver coming back.
~ Daniel Francis had a very good freshman year and showed terrific instincts, as well as superior receiving skills.
~ I still think Cedric Vinson has the potential to be the best of the bunch. He's not the fastest, but he's close. He's not the biggest, but he's not small. And seems to catch everything when he gets a chance.
~ There's been talk that the logjam at running back will mean Anthony Barnett has to bump outside to receiver, just to get him on the field.
~ James Elliott is supposed to be a big, strong receiver who's more than capable, although he redshirted this year.
~ Not sure about Ashton Nixon - I assume he's still learning the position, but he has the speed and the frame to be pretty good.
~ Raymond Perkins (redshirt freshman this year) is 6-3, 200 -- worth a look?

And now we have Blake Warren and Jaymond Cleveland coming in. Where do all these guys fit in? Bartel's arm is going to fall off!

[Guest]

Yeah right, I wish Bartel was throwing enough for his arm to fall off. I can't wait to see our new QB's I really hope we get Joel Armstrong as well. I really hope Bartel is the kind of guy that will continue to challenge himself to get better. He has so much potential and could really teach these incoming QB's a lot.

[Guest]

Also, as much as I love Ray, he's scout team.

[HorsePower]

That crop of receivers sure sounds impressive. But with Bennett's focus on establishing the run first, will we throw enough?

Also, is SMU recruiting Armstrong as a QB or as a WR/DB/athlete?

[Nacho]

When Bartel is in the game we throw a lot. When Wallis is in the game it is much more option /ground oriented. Since all signs point to Bartel as the starter next year I think we will be flinging it quite a bit. I'm really excited about Bartel. I think he is going to have a nice career on the Hilltop.

[PonyTales]

When Bartel got hurt in the season finale, Coach Bennett said he had planned to run some option in that game, anyway, because Bartel was becoming more comfortable with it. Therefore, he said, it didn't change the offense a lot when Bartel went down and Wallis went in.

I can't help but think that's not true. Bartel had a chance to show against an inferior defense that he was in fact the man to guide our offense. I'd have to think he's the man going in to next year, that the job is his to lose, instead of him competing for the job.

[Joyous]

Hope everyone is doing well. Comet is doing really good. He was very happy to get off the crutches and be able to put some wait on the foot. The first week in January will tell all - hopefully the screws will come out and COMET will come back better than ever. I know he cannot wait. Keep us in your prayers. Sorry we had to miss the banquet tonight. If anyone goes, give an update later. Thanks!

[PonyTales]

That's great news about Comet - hope everything goes well with the rest of his rehab - we sure could have used him this season, and he'll be a welcome addition in spring workouts and in the fall.

Thanks for the update, Joyous. Hope you and your family have a great holiday.

[Johnny Rock]

Johnny's Christmas Wish--a healthy Comet for next season.

[Hoofprint]

So now we've got Comet, Taylor, Griffin, Francis, Vinson, Elliot, Nixon, Blake Warren and Jaymond Cleveland. We might see Barnett bump outside to receiver. And we're trying to add Tyrell Gatewood and William Dowdy? Bartel's got to be chomping at the bit for next season to start.