Thursday, July 31, 2008

2008 Position Previews: Wide Receivers

This is the eighth part of my position by position breakdown of the 2008 roster.


WIDE RECEIVERS

This might be the least appreciated unit of the team. None could be called game breakers, but there is enough depth, diversity and incoming talent to feel good about their prospects post-Ryan.


Overview

These were the top five teams in receptions per game in 2007.

Hawaii
Texas Tech
New Mexico State
Missouri
BC

This is what the pundits are saying about each team’s receivers entering this season.

Texas Tech

Led by Crabtree, the show will once again be impressive.


Hawaii

There's speed, size, and upside...

New Mexico State

Can you say starting from scratch? If you're on the roster as a receiver, you'll get a chance to see meaningful playing time.


Missouri

If Maclin does what he did last year and Coffman is 100% healthy again, this will be an unstoppable group with too many weapons for most defenses to deal with.


And here is what is being said out BC’s WRs

Sometimes, the best way to evaluate a receiving corps is by determining whether it helps or hinders the play of the quarterback. This group won’t be spectacular, but it’ll help Crane in his first season as the starter.


Not a total dismissal, but certainly faint praise for the Eagles. The only group getting less respect is New Mexico State and they are coming off a miserable season.

Even during the run up to the NFL draft you heard the talking heads malign our receivers. This season is their chance to show that last year was not a fluke. I don’t think you’ll see the same number of catches (for a variety of reasons) but I think these guys will be very effective.

The Players
WR – Billy Flutie, SO, 6’2, 186lbs
WR – Rich Gunnell, JR, 5’11, 196lbs
WR – Justin Jarvis, JR, 6’5, 196lbs
WR – Colin Larmond, FR, 6’3, 196lbs
WR – Clyde Lee, FR, 6’0, 178lbs
WR – Ryan Lindsey, SO, 5’8, 165lbs
WR – Dominick Magazu, FR, 6’1, 190lbs
WR – Clarence Megwa, JR, 6’1, 216lbs
WR – Ifeanyi Momah, SO, 6’6, 225lbs
WR – Brandon Robinson, SR, 5’10, 196lbs

Gunnell really emerged last season. Not only is he a reliable deep threat, but he also proved he could be physical not get bumped off his routes. Robinson fought through some nicks and dings. He’s sure-handed and does well adding yards after the catch. Jarvis has great size and upside, but needs to improve his hands and consistency. Megwa was solid last year. Not spectacular but should remain a productive member of the rotation. Flutie gets raves for his work habits and practice catches. I think you’ll see a steady progression from his this year. Lindsey spent most of 2007 in street clothes recovering from injury. If healthy and if he hasn’t lost a step, there is no reason he shouldn’t contribute this year. Purvis gushed about Momah at the ACC Media event. If the kid can grow into his frame and keep working on his fundamentals, he could have a big year. Magazu redshirted last year. I expect him to be part of special teams this year. Lee and Larmond are the true freshmen. Expectations are high for Larmond. He should play this year. Lee, who knows? My guess is that he will redshirt.

Outlook
Like so much of this team, the known factors (Gunnell, Robinson, Megwa) provide confidence heading into the season, while unknown upside (Larmond, Momah’s progression) could be the difference in getting back to the ACCCG. I think these guys will surprise the conference and keep BC as one of the leading offenses in the ACC.

3 comments:

America said...

I really think its time all BC fans stop reading, listening, or paying any attention to what "they, the so called experts" say about BC. Its plain to see that they just don't know what they are talking about. The fact is these "experts" have probably only seen 5 games in the past 5 years anyway. Every year its the same old story, BC's picked to finish at the bottom of the conference and every year we "surprise" everyone. Well you know I'm never surprised by us being successfull. In fact I'm dissapointed that we keep falling just short because I know we can compete with and beat any one in the country. I don't care who it is. I know that Jags has these kids knowing the same thing. So the experts can go ahead and be surprised by us year in and year out. The fact is we are good and no matter what anyone else says this team is goihg Back to the ACC Championship game and this time we won't fall short. GO EAGLES.

EasyRider said...

I'm excited to see how Momah does. That guy has the look of a great recever in the red zone. He's like a tower and all the QB will have to do is toss the ball over the heads of the 5'9 db's. He should be fun to watch for years to come.

Claver2010 said...

My one memory of Momah from this past year was in some game in garbage time where he runs a route over the middle, Crane throws one and his arms simply keep extending for the catch. I don't think I have ever heard a reaction like that for a catch made in garbage time.