Tag: wide receivers

As compared to other positions such as QB, the transfer WRs feel lesser in quantity that could have a significant impact this year, but here are some recent transfers to keep an eye on, listed in loosely descending order of potential impact this season:

• Rico Bussey, Hawaii (from North Texas) – only played in 2 games due to injury last year, but in 2018 had a huge 68/1017-12 line. Could put up similar numbers in the Hawaii offense.
• JD Spielman, TCU (from Nebraska) – Spielman had 800+ yards receiving in each of the past 3 seasons at Nebraska. He becomes WR1 at TCU
• Theo Howard, Oklahoma (from UCLA) – sat out in 2019 but had similar production in 2017 & 2018, going for 51/677-4 in 2018. The issue will be to see if he can stand out amongst a talented group of WRs including Charleston Rambo, Jadon Haselwood, and more. Oklahoma certainly has enough stats to go around.
• Damon Hazelton, Missouri (from Virginia Tech) – started his career at Ball State then had two productive seasons at VT with his best being 51/802-8 in 2018. Could emerge as WR1 but Missouri’s unsettled QB situation is worth watching.
• Changa Hodge, Virginia Tech (from Villanova) – can sometimes be hard to measure the transition of moving up from FCS, but had a huge 2019 with 65/1118-13
• Obi Obialo, Oklahoma (from Marshall) – began his career at Oklahoma State then spent 3 seasons at Marshall. Only played 4 games in 2019, best year was 2018 with 42/505-4. Joins a crowded group of WR talent at Oklahoma.
• Tarik Black, Texas (from Michigan) – mostly a backup at Michigan, best season was 2019 with 25/323-1. Texas is sure to throw the ball a lot this season, and their top WRs left for the NFL other than Brennan Eagles, so there is a lot of opportunity if Black rises up.
• Ben Skowronek, Notre Dame (from Northwestern) – only played 3 games in 2019 due to injury but had 45 catches in both 2017 & ’18, going for 644 & 562 yards. Notre Dame returns a lot of young but unproven WRs, so Skowronek could add veteran presence as he tries to stand out at a higher level.
• Jordan Jones, Cincy (from Arkansas) – sat out 2019, best year was 2017 with 21/401-3 for an impressive 19.1 average.
• Aaron Young, Florida Atlantic (from Duke) – Young’s best year at Duke was 2019 with 29/367-3, other than John Mitchell FAU doesn’t return much production, so Young should get his chances.
• Dee Anderson, Oklahoma St (from LSU) – sat out 2019, had 20/274-1 in 2018. Tylan Wallace is the clear WR1 at Oklahoma St, Anderson will likely come behind other returners such as Dillon Stoner to try to get playing time
• Velus Jones, Tennessee (from USC) – a very quiet body of work at USC other than going 24/266-1 in 2018, but other than Josh Palmer Tennessee doesn’t return a lot of proven performers.
• Aron Cruickshank, Rutgers (from Wisconsin) – known for his returning skills, could try to emerge in the offense as well after going for a modest 13/138-1 in 2019.
• Jaelen Gill, Boston College (from Ohio State) – Struggled for playing time in 2019 going 6/51-1. Better chance to see the field at BC.
• Justin Shorter, Florida (from Penn State) – (no update yet on waiver for immediate eligiblity) – Shorter was 12/137-0 last season