Wide Receiver Group Next Year

2017 WR Stats

JR. Grant Perry: 25 catches 307 yards 1 TD (11 games)

FR. Donovan Peoples-Jones: 22 catches 277 yards 0 TD (13 games)

SO. Kekoa Crawford: 17 catches 243 yards 1 TD (11 games)

FR. Tarik Black: 11 catches 149 yards 1 TD (3 games)

SO. Eddie McDoom: 11 catches 81 yards 0 TD (12 games)

SO. Nate Schoenle: 4 catches 41 yards 0 TD (11 games)

FR. Nico Collins: 3 Catches 27 yards 0 TD (4 games)

FR. Oliver Martin: Redshirt

Our offense really took a step back this year due to bad QB play and our young wide receivers didnt help the situation at all. Next year everyone will be 1 year older and we'll actually have some experience at the position. 

Perry: Tailed off towards the end of the year, but will be back as our elder statesman slot man. Not sure why we didnt force feed him the ball more this season as he was the only guy who could consistenly get open. The offense should be opened up alot more next year so I expect to see more of the sophmore Grant Perry. 

Peoples-Jones: Started theyear off slow because he was behind Black and Crawford but injuries to both of those guys had him as our only WR for 3-4 games. Saw lots of improvement in his route running as the season went on. Was the #1 WR in the country out of hs for a reason. We should see a big jump in year 2 as a returning starter. 

Crawford: I may be a Crawford apologist but i think he can still be a solid receiver. He had some terrible luck this year (some his fault of course) but others are out of his control. Had 1 TD called back agianst Florida and another missed when he was wide open. Had another called back against MSU, and many other plays that were missed throught the season. His main problem is making contested catches. Hes got to start winning some of those 50/50 balls. Will at worst be the #3 outside guy next year as hes probaly the best blocker of the group. Will get his starting job back or be in the top 3. 

Black: Had 2 solid games in the 3 that he played. We really could have used him during the season but it is what it is. Should be fully healthy by spring ball. Has some catching up to do expericence wise but is def one of the most talented guys in this group. If the injury doesnt linger he will be a special player to watch. Will be somewhere in that starting group of 3. 

McDoom: The coaches need to be more creative in getting him the ball. He needs to have 2-3 touches every game, or at least send him on some deep routes. He'll never be a full time starter guy but as a specialist player he can be useful, just have to get him the ball in space. Maybe line him up in the backfield on 3rd downs and get him matched up with a LB or something. Will be the backup slot next year and gadget guy.

Collins: I wish he could have kept his redshirt but with how the season played out I see why he didnt. I thought he made some nice plays in the bowl game and showed off his athleticisim while high pointing the ball. Going to be in a tough spot next year as he's probably going to be #4 on the depth for outside receiver but hes too talented to not get on the field. Reserve wideout next year with possibly some red zone plays. 

Schoenle: Made a few nice plays but was mostly used as a blocker. Don't see anything changing next year. Reserve WR.

Martin: Got his redshirt this year. With Perry and Mcdoom back he probably wont see too much time next year. Maybe about the amount of time that Nico got this year. But in 2019 as a redshirt sophmore the slot position should be his for the next 3 years.

Freshman WR: Any freshman that we bring in will unless something crazy happens get an automatic redshirt. 

The future looks bright for our WR group. Add that in with the TE's that we have and whoever the QB is next year will have plenty of options to throw to.