It will be interesting to see how this group plays out in the spring with everyone healthy. This group has always been an achilles heal under Kill as they have had problems with drops, lack of separation, and overall lack of big play ability. I think this could finally be the year we see some big plays out of these guys. KJ Maye was our only real playmaking option last year and now we have 4-5 guys at this position who have been in the system for 3-4 years now. I also love the size we have recruited at this position the last couple cycles. Breakthrough year coming with this new Offensive Coordinator too. Here is my opinion, but let me know what you guys think.
Depth:
Woli/Holland/Register
Still/Gentry
Carter/Howard
Mr. Reliable: Eric Carter. Carter will be in his fourth season as a Gopher next year and he took a big step forward last season. Not the fastest or strongest but showed great hands and rarely dropped a pass. If he continues to develop speed and explosiveness he could be a problem in the slot.
Red Zone Target: Rashad Still. Still has the mindset you want in a receiver. Extremely confident and borderline arrogant at times, but he thinks he can go up and get any ball, and will let you know when he does. Not a great route runner, but good hands and will only get better after a decent freshman year. I look for him to catch 4-6 TD's this year with a few being off of fade's like in the Illinois game.
Potential Star: Isaiah Gentry. By far the most potential out of any WR on the roster, he just has to stay healthy. He's 6'4" and has legit 4.4 speed with a huge catch radius. If he doesn't have at least 500 yards receiving that is a disappointment for me in his third year in maroon and gold. He is also the deep threat we have been missing as he can truly take the top off the defense.
Darkhorse: Melvin Holland. A four star recruit coming out of high school, Holland struggled with drops and confidence at times last year. The physical traits are there and he is a good route runner, just has to prove he can hold onto the ball. Could be a really good player this year assuming he keeps improving this spring.
Senior Leader: Drew Wolitarsky. Was second on the team in receiving last year behind KJ Maye, but he has struggled in the past in creating separation against good corners and with dropping unexplainable passes (see Central Michigan game). He is the only senior in this group. I can either see him having a huge senior season as he will have the opportunity to start initially; or else falling out of favor with the new OC because of his lack of explosiveness and untimely drops. We shall see.
Depth:
Woli/Holland/Register
Still/Gentry
Carter/Howard
Mr. Reliable: Eric Carter. Carter will be in his fourth season as a Gopher next year and he took a big step forward last season. Not the fastest or strongest but showed great hands and rarely dropped a pass. If he continues to develop speed and explosiveness he could be a problem in the slot.
Red Zone Target: Rashad Still. Still has the mindset you want in a receiver. Extremely confident and borderline arrogant at times, but he thinks he can go up and get any ball, and will let you know when he does. Not a great route runner, but good hands and will only get better after a decent freshman year. I look for him to catch 4-6 TD's this year with a few being off of fade's like in the Illinois game.
Potential Star: Isaiah Gentry. By far the most potential out of any WR on the roster, he just has to stay healthy. He's 6'4" and has legit 4.4 speed with a huge catch radius. If he doesn't have at least 500 yards receiving that is a disappointment for me in his third year in maroon and gold. He is also the deep threat we have been missing as he can truly take the top off the defense.
Darkhorse: Melvin Holland. A four star recruit coming out of high school, Holland struggled with drops and confidence at times last year. The physical traits are there and he is a good route runner, just has to prove he can hold onto the ball. Could be a really good player this year assuming he keeps improving this spring.
Senior Leader: Drew Wolitarsky. Was second on the team in receiving last year behind KJ Maye, but he has struggled in the past in creating separation against good corners and with dropping unexplainable passes (see Central Michigan game). He is the only senior in this group. I can either see him having a huge senior season as he will have the opportunity to start initially; or else falling out of favor with the new OC because of his lack of explosiveness and untimely drops. We shall see.
