Louisiana
State
New Head Coach Les Miles should thank Nick Saban, who eventually
became one of the true, great SEC recruiters - if not the
best ever - before taking a new job with the Dolphins. And
the wide receiver position may represent his greatest achievement.
This stockpile of five-star caliber athletes is a jaw-dropping
six- and even seven-deep with very little (to no) drop-off
in talent. No way can any conventional depth chart begin to
list them all. First is senior Skyler Green, one of the nation's
top punt returners from the 2003 national title team before
injuries limited his role last campaign. Now, though, he is
fully recovered. Dwayne Bowe (6-3, 213) is as physically dominant
as it gets for receivers in the SEC, and is primed to become
a star. Last season's leading receiver, Craig Davis, continued
to have a great spring, while Early Doucet gives LSU a duel
weapon in terms of catching and running. Xavier Carter is
likely to become a permanent member of this group after his
multiple eye-opening catches this spring. Finally, Amp Hill
is now set to fulfill his young promise as torn knee ligaments
have sidelined his career the last two seasons. We just named
six players; four of them were Parade/SuperPrep all-Americans
out of high school, while Doucet and Carter were each considered
the #1 rated players at this position. And, as if that were
not enough, throw in senior TE/HB David Jones, who managed
to garner all-Conference honors last December. Did we mention
Les Miles is an offensive guy at heart (as compared to the
defensive approach at Saban's core)? Ouch, no one touches
this group in terms of quality depth.
Ohio
State
When in a two-receiver formation, the Buckeyes line up with
two NC.net preseason all-Americans - Santonio Holmes and Ted
Ginn, Jr. Holmes has been limited this spring due to a hamstring
injury, but in this system, his team leading 55 receptions
are likely to be surpassed come fall. "Mr. Everything"
Ted Ginn will line up either in the slot, at flanker, split
end, single wing in the backfield, or, heck, even at cornerback
on the other side of the ball. Ginn is so gifted that Coach
Tressell has literally built this offense around what he can
do. Tressell will use exotic formations to spread opponents
out while playing hide-n-seek with defenders attempting to
key on his prized receiver(s). Junior Roy Hall has more size
than any other State WR, a plus for downfield blocking as
well as end zone fades. When you factor in emerging deep-threat
Anthony Gonzales (two TDs and 22.4 yds in the speedsters eight
catches), you see a rather balanced corps. Look for the Buckeye's
simpler aerial approach to really develop as these guys all
hit the peaks of their college careers simultaneously during
this campaign. A 60-40 run-pass ratio in '04 should move closer
to 50-50. Even the ole Woody Hayes, with his "three yards
and a cloud of dust" approach, could clearly see this
writing on any High Street wall.
Louisville
There's
speed all over the place here, more than enough for this offense
to spread defenses, setting them up for big plays. The three
experienced burners who start will give (new starting) QB
Brian Brohm one of the best groups of targets you'll find
anywhere. Montrell Jones returns as the leading receiver and
deep threat. The Tennessee-transfer isn't just fast - he's
physical and can confidently go across the middle, as well.
Kick return specialist Broderick Clark is another major deep
threat (coming off the bench), while basketball player Joshua
Tinch is a sure-handed guy who will get his share of catches
on intermediate-run routes. Tinch has become Brohm's go-to
receiver this spring after recording seven receptions in the
spring game, three of which resulted in six (points). Wait,
there's more. The biggest impact this spring has been 6-6,
220-pound Mario Urrutia, who has simply dazzled in the red-zone,
where he's open quite frequently. We promise, Brian Brohm
is going to become one of the nation's best before his time
is done, and look for the WR stats and post-season awards
to reap whatever Brohm's ability is able to sow. The nation's
No. 9 pass offense won't skip a beat.
Auburn
Next
to LSU, this is as deep and veteran a receiving corps as there
is in the SEC, and these four playmakers will keep the aerial
assault clicking. Too bad QB Jason Campbell is not returning
to guide this offense, which ultimately means newbie Brandon
Cox likely won't offer these WRs as much of a chance to statistically
reach their true worth. Junior Courtney Taylor went from consistent
freshman to sophomore game-breaker, leading the Tigers in
catches and yards. Taylor bulked up without sacrificing speed
or leaping ability, making him a potent target who always
holds on to the big catch (30 of his 38 recs. went for first
down). Def. Coordinator David Gibbs said this spring that
Taylor made DBs look like children trying to tackle him. A
heralded trio of seniors (Ben Obomanu, Devin Aromashodu and
Anthony Mix) combined for 13 TDs, and each is capable of 20+
receptions and 500+ yard seasons. Aromashodu is the burner
who stretches the defense. Obomanu's seven TDs tied him for
the lead in the SEC (for receivers), while Mix's precise route
running and 6'5" frame make him a valuable target underneath.
Someone will always be open in these four-wide sets. Still,
the group must maintain focus as Cox adjusts and their numbers
dip slightly. We're also quite sure Auburn fans would not
trade this unselfish group for anyone else's
and for
good reason.
Oregon
State
Questions at WR were more than answered in '04. First-team
NC.net all-American standout Mike Hass heads a corps that's
big (all at least 6'0"), deep, physical, and the clear
strength of the offense. The former walk-on didn't just dominate
the conference; he finished third in the nation in receptions
(86) and ninth in yards (1379), despite his unassuming physique.
Hass is not a burner, but may be the best route-runner in
the country (averaged 23 per for his 44 catches in '03). The
senior epitomizes the team's focus on acceleration and mechanics,
and will again find ways to get open and therefore earn well-deserved
Biletnikoff buzz. While Hass sets records, Marcel Love will
show off his versatility in the slot. The JUCO-transfer adjusted
quicker than expected, finishing third on the team in catches,
TDs and yards, and should expect 50+ to soon come his way.
Switching Anthony Wheat-Brown from FS to WR last fall gave
the unit a leaper and a consistent threat at flanker. The
spring's best surprise was Josh Hawkins and his one-handed
grabs. His level of play has awarded him playing time with
the first unit. If the Pac Ten is to be looked upon as a pass-happy
conference, the Beaver's four- and five-receiver sets are
tangible proof of this stereotype.
Just Missed:
Arizona State, Miami FL, Michigan, UTEP
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