We have been discussing how important it is that the WR corps and new QB get up to speed quickly with regard to route experience and the passing game. However I think a big point of discussion is how these new wide outs will fair when it comes to downfield blocking on run plays.
Davis, Henry and Thompson were fantastic run blocking wide outs and usually could extend running plays through the secondary with great blocking of the DB's down field. I hope that the new WR's also bring that commitment to downfield run blocking. It will be interesting to watch these new kids develop... Hard to believe that we return less than 20 actual catches in the WR corps... and I believe a majority of those were to Eskridge.
I think true freshman Luke Sanders might be an interesting option right out of the gate. Just like Davis started as a true freshman, I think we are going to find one of the youngsters is going to be a pleasant surprise. Kids that have been with the program that should turn some heads could be Broersma and Watson. I wouldn't be all that surprised to see Bellamy running some slants or swing passes from a WR position this year too... Need to get as much of our talent on the field as often as possible.
Either or... its going to be a fun season to watch! GO BRONCOS!
In the past 10 years WMU has always had someone that had an opportunity to play at the next level. Davis, Wilson, White, Nuiz, Simmons, Jennings. I think we'll have a surprise at WR. It will be all about the QB.
(08-02-2017 01:57 PM)New School Bronco Wrote: [ -> ]In the past 10 years WMU has always had someone that had an opportunity to play at the next level. Davis, Wilson, White, Nuiz, Simmons, Jennings. I think we'll have a surprise at WR. It will be all about the QB.
Its going to be fun watching to see who becomes that next great WR out of WMU.
My money is on Freshman Tryon Arnett.
With regard to the training and commitment to downfield blocking, remember returning receivers ran all the same drills and same instruction and emphasis on that. And I doubt very much that new staff are going to deemphasize that.
None of that is said to detract from the exceptional performance of last years receiving corp. they set a high standard in all respects of the trade last year.
I had posed this question on another thread regarding the versatility of Darius Phillips, should the new WRs struggle would we see #4 on the offensive side of the ball? I too like Arnett, can't give you an in depth reason. Just have a gut feeling.
Anton Curtis is my pick to emerge.
(08-02-2017 02:31 PM)Hoekjeness Wrote: [ -> ]Anton Curtis is my pick to emerge.
I think Arnett is a long term bet, but Curtis and Broersma might be this years surprises. Its going to be a fun show to watch! I just hope that we have good enough QB play that will allow these guys to emerge...
Watson was our number 4 last year. He should be the leader in the clubhouse to being the number 1 guy this year.
(08-03-2017 08:48 AM)jubbasubba Wrote: [ -> ]Watson was our number 4 last year. He should be the leader in the clubhouse to being the number 1 guy this year.
Yeah I think it'll be a good year for Watson, Curtis, and Eskridge.
Biggest question I have is who will be that 3rd/4th guy to step up (Carrington Thompson/Michael Henry role from last season).
(08-02-2017 02:31 PM)Hoekjeness Wrote: [ -> ]Anton Curtis is my pick to emerge.
Hands of stone, has dropped everything throw his way, already behind Arnett on the depth chart.
I'm hearing 6'3" DB AJ Thomas will be moved to WR
Oddly, a former NFL WR coach did a poor job building depth at a position that he's an expert on.
If any receiver emerges it will probably be Eskridge.
Ricci looked good Saturday. Eskridge, a couple of drops aside (not that there is nothing wrong with that) is dangerous.
(08-02-2017 02:22 PM)WMUlaxer97 Wrote: [ -> ]I had posed this question on another thread regarding the versatility of Darius Phillips, should the new WRs struggle would we see #4 on the offensive side of the ball? I too like Arnett, can't give you an in depth reason. Just have a gut feeling.
Lester has said he'd like to put Phillips in at O from time to time, he's just looking for the right time.
Sanders may be listed at 200# but guessing 185#. He would been redshirted if we didn't need depth. Arnett is the kid to watch. Believe he is a Muck City area product from Florida. Hardnosed and fast. Ricci will be fine once he gets the Davis factor off his back.
(09-20-2017 07:23 AM)Bronc33 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-02-2017 02:22 PM)WMUlaxer97 Wrote: [ -> ]I had posed this question on another thread regarding the versatility of Darius Phillips, should the new WRs struggle would we see #4 on the offensive side of the ball? I too like Arnett, can't give you an in depth reason. Just have a gut feeling.
Lester has said he'd like to put Phillips in at O from time to time, he's just looking for the right time.
This is dangerous..did anyone else notice that when Phillips was not in the game on defense, Idaho breezed down the field?
(09-20-2017 08:49 AM)uclabruin Wrote: [ -> ] (09-20-2017 07:23 AM)Bronc33 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-02-2017 02:22 PM)WMUlaxer97 Wrote: [ -> ]I had posed this question on another thread regarding the versatility of Darius Phillips, should the new WRs struggle would we see #4 on the offensive side of the ball? I too like Arnett, can't give you an in depth reason. Just have a gut feeling.
Lester has said he'd like to put Phillips in at O from time to time, he's just looking for the right time.
This is dangerous..did anyone else notice that when Phillips was not in the game on defense, Idaho breezed down the field?
Same at MSU.
(09-20-2017 08:49 AM)uclabruin Wrote: [ -> ] (09-20-2017 07:23 AM)Bronc33 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-02-2017 02:22 PM)WMUlaxer97 Wrote: [ -> ]I had posed this question on another thread regarding the versatility of Darius Phillips, should the new WRs struggle would we see #4 on the offensive side of the ball? I too like Arnett, can't give you an in depth reason. Just have a gut feeling.
Lester has said he'd like to put Phillips in at O from time to time, he's just looking for the right time.
This is dangerous..did anyone else notice that when Phillips was not in the game on defense, Idaho breezed down the field?
That's why he said it has to be the right time. He knows Phillips needs to be fresh but if we're down 6 to Toledo with 2 minutes left for the division I wouldn't expect him to hold back.
(09-19-2017 08:36 PM)Chipdip2 Wrote: [ -> ] (08-02-2017 02:31 PM)Hoekjeness Wrote: [ -> ]Anton Curtis is my pick to emerge.
Hands of stone, has dropped everything throw his way, already behind Arnett on the depth chart.
I'm hearing 6'3" DB AJ Thomas will be moved to WR
Oddly, a former NFL WR coach did a poor job building depth at a position that he's an expert on.
If any receiver emerges it will probably be Eskridge.
Agree, it is odd.
However, you gotta take the bad with the good...and a MAC Championship last season, combined with a New Years Bowl, against a ranked opponent, is the trump card, period.
In the big picture, so what about the depth at WR in 2017 after what we experienced 2016?
WMU's receivers will grow and be fine as the season progresses.
In Lester We Trust!