08-11-2004, 07:54 PM
Central Florida wide receivers look for success in new system
By Eric Kernish, Central Florida Future
August 11, 2004
(U-WIRE) OVIEDO, Fla. -- During the offseason, the Central Florida football team experienced several changes in its coaching staff.
The one change that could possibly make the biggest impact on the Knights' offense was the hiring of new wide receivers coach D.J. McCarthy. Not only does he bring experience and knowledge of the position to the Knights, but he's also known for his reputation of developing stars out of the receivers he coaches.
One of McCarthy's biggest accomplishments as a receivers coach was during his tenure at Nevada, where he worked since 2000. He was credited for the growth and development of wide receiver Nate Burelson, who in 2002 caught a record-setting 138 passes to lead the nation in receptions. Burelson went on to set many Nevada and Western Athletic Conference records, all under the guidance of McCarthy. Currently, he is playing in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. Two other Nevada wide receivers coached by McCarthy -- Maurice Mann and Willie Johnson -- also accomplished making it to the NFL ranks.
According to McCarthy, the wide receivers he is working with at UCF possess a sufficient amount of talent, causing an intense competition among them. He believes the competition will ultimately influence them to play at a higher level in 2004.
"If you want to get guys to play to their best ability and play at their peak performance, you've got to create some type of competition," McCarthy said. "I think with the depth that we have at this position, the guys competing against each other will want to be the best."
McCarthy says the group of receivers he has inherited, particularly Tavaris Capers, Luther Huggins and Brandon Marshall, has made his job a lot easier. McCarthy credits former UCF wide receiver coach Sean Beckton for turning them into solid players.
"I came into a great situation," McCarthy said. "I thought all three of those guys were coached well by their former coach. He did a good job, and now it's my job to make sure that I can continue the way he left off and try to take them to another level."
The Knights plan to go with seniors Capers and Huggins as the team's starting tandem for the second straight year. In 2003, both were asked to take on the huge job of replacing former starting receivers Doug Gabriel and Jimmy Fryzel. As both receivers soon learned, replacing them was not going to be simple.
As it turned out, neither receiver had a great 2003 season due to the inconsistency of the Knights' offense, namely the quarterback position. This year, Capers and Huggins are both eager to get out on the field and prove to everyone what they are truly capable of.
After leading the team in both receptions (67), yards (585) and touchdowns (seven) in 2003, Capers is being looked upon to play a large role in the offense once again. In contrast to last season, the Knights hope to see Capers use his deep speed more often and make bigger plays. Last year he averaged a trifling 8.7 yards per catch, the lowest average out of any current wide receiver who caught more than 10 passes in 2003.
Huggins is another player expected to have a stellar season. After catching only 26 passes for 375 yards and two touchdowns last year, he will be looked upon to play a more significant role on offense, and will most likely remain the No. 2 receiver.
With both Huggins and Capers playing together for so long, the two have built chemistry on the field. Huggins says because they played in high school together, they both have a good idea what each other of them will do during games.
"We just know everything about each other since we've been together for so long," Huggins said. "We're always trying to encourage each other. If we make good plays, we congratulate each other. We make each other feel good, and then when we're down, we try to pick each other up. We're out there for each other."
Another receiver who excites the coaches is junior Brandon Marshall. In 2003, he showed signs of potential, finishing the season with 28 receptions for 377 yards, along with a pair of touchdowns. In the game against Florida Atlantic, Marshall showed his capabilities by compiling 104 yards on five receptions, including a 29-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
The Knights believe running a balanced offense will provide the passing game with more opportunities for big plays. However, they know it won't be easy without the arm of former UCF quarterback Ryan Schneider.
"You can't replace a Ryan Schneider," Huggins said. "I mean, he was like one of the greatest quarterbacks, other than Daunte [Culpepper], to come through Central Florida. But I think our offense this year complements our quarterbacks, because it mixes in the run and the pass. It's not just a sling-the-ball-all-day type of offense. We have mobile quarterbacks this year, and that's a big plus we didn't have last year."
Also looking to contribute to the offense in 2004 is sophomore receiver Mike Walker. As a freshman he caught 21 receptions for 337 yards. According to the coaching staff, Walker has the potential to be one of the best receivers on the team when all is said and done.
Andre Sumpter, who is coming off a season-ending knee injury, will also plan to earn playing time. He is considered to be very talented, but how well he recovers from his injury is the big question. The answer will determine just how much he plays.
Sophomore Brooks Turner and junior Al Peterson are also on the depth chart, and will compete for playing time. Freshman Sergiori Joachim and Chris Narsesian also plan to be in the mix.
The possibility of how good this receiver corps can be in 2004 has become a pleasant distraction for McCarthy. He says just thinking about it causes him to get all wound up.
"I'm so excited about this group that I'm working with that it's hard for me to sleep at night," McCarthy said. "I like them because they want to be the best, they want to be together, they compete against each other and they push each other. They listen to what you tell them because they believe in what you're saying. It's just a pleasure to work with these kids."
<a href='http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uwire-centralfloridawidereceiver&prov=uwire&type=lgns' target='_blank'>http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uw...uwire&type=lgns</a>
By Eric Kernish, Central Florida Future
August 11, 2004
(U-WIRE) OVIEDO, Fla. -- During the offseason, the Central Florida football team experienced several changes in its coaching staff.
The one change that could possibly make the biggest impact on the Knights' offense was the hiring of new wide receivers coach D.J. McCarthy. Not only does he bring experience and knowledge of the position to the Knights, but he's also known for his reputation of developing stars out of the receivers he coaches.
One of McCarthy's biggest accomplishments as a receivers coach was during his tenure at Nevada, where he worked since 2000. He was credited for the growth and development of wide receiver Nate Burelson, who in 2002 caught a record-setting 138 passes to lead the nation in receptions. Burelson went on to set many Nevada and Western Athletic Conference records, all under the guidance of McCarthy. Currently, he is playing in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. Two other Nevada wide receivers coached by McCarthy -- Maurice Mann and Willie Johnson -- also accomplished making it to the NFL ranks.
According to McCarthy, the wide receivers he is working with at UCF possess a sufficient amount of talent, causing an intense competition among them. He believes the competition will ultimately influence them to play at a higher level in 2004.
"If you want to get guys to play to their best ability and play at their peak performance, you've got to create some type of competition," McCarthy said. "I think with the depth that we have at this position, the guys competing against each other will want to be the best."
McCarthy says the group of receivers he has inherited, particularly Tavaris Capers, Luther Huggins and Brandon Marshall, has made his job a lot easier. McCarthy credits former UCF wide receiver coach Sean Beckton for turning them into solid players.
"I came into a great situation," McCarthy said. "I thought all three of those guys were coached well by their former coach. He did a good job, and now it's my job to make sure that I can continue the way he left off and try to take them to another level."
The Knights plan to go with seniors Capers and Huggins as the team's starting tandem for the second straight year. In 2003, both were asked to take on the huge job of replacing former starting receivers Doug Gabriel and Jimmy Fryzel. As both receivers soon learned, replacing them was not going to be simple.
As it turned out, neither receiver had a great 2003 season due to the inconsistency of the Knights' offense, namely the quarterback position. This year, Capers and Huggins are both eager to get out on the field and prove to everyone what they are truly capable of.
After leading the team in both receptions (67), yards (585) and touchdowns (seven) in 2003, Capers is being looked upon to play a large role in the offense once again. In contrast to last season, the Knights hope to see Capers use his deep speed more often and make bigger plays. Last year he averaged a trifling 8.7 yards per catch, the lowest average out of any current wide receiver who caught more than 10 passes in 2003.
Huggins is another player expected to have a stellar season. After catching only 26 passes for 375 yards and two touchdowns last year, he will be looked upon to play a more significant role on offense, and will most likely remain the No. 2 receiver.
With both Huggins and Capers playing together for so long, the two have built chemistry on the field. Huggins says because they played in high school together, they both have a good idea what each other of them will do during games.
"We just know everything about each other since we've been together for so long," Huggins said. "We're always trying to encourage each other. If we make good plays, we congratulate each other. We make each other feel good, and then when we're down, we try to pick each other up. We're out there for each other."
Another receiver who excites the coaches is junior Brandon Marshall. In 2003, he showed signs of potential, finishing the season with 28 receptions for 377 yards, along with a pair of touchdowns. In the game against Florida Atlantic, Marshall showed his capabilities by compiling 104 yards on five receptions, including a 29-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
The Knights believe running a balanced offense will provide the passing game with more opportunities for big plays. However, they know it won't be easy without the arm of former UCF quarterback Ryan Schneider.
"You can't replace a Ryan Schneider," Huggins said. "I mean, he was like one of the greatest quarterbacks, other than Daunte [Culpepper], to come through Central Florida. But I think our offense this year complements our quarterbacks, because it mixes in the run and the pass. It's not just a sling-the-ball-all-day type of offense. We have mobile quarterbacks this year, and that's a big plus we didn't have last year."
Also looking to contribute to the offense in 2004 is sophomore receiver Mike Walker. As a freshman he caught 21 receptions for 337 yards. According to the coaching staff, Walker has the potential to be one of the best receivers on the team when all is said and done.
Andre Sumpter, who is coming off a season-ending knee injury, will also plan to earn playing time. He is considered to be very talented, but how well he recovers from his injury is the big question. The answer will determine just how much he plays.
Sophomore Brooks Turner and junior Al Peterson are also on the depth chart, and will compete for playing time. Freshman Sergiori Joachim and Chris Narsesian also plan to be in the mix.
The possibility of how good this receiver corps can be in 2004 has become a pleasant distraction for McCarthy. He says just thinking about it causes him to get all wound up.
"I'm so excited about this group that I'm working with that it's hard for me to sleep at night," McCarthy said. "I like them because they want to be the best, they want to be together, they compete against each other and they push each other. They listen to what you tell them because they believe in what you're saying. It's just a pleasure to work with these kids."
<a href='http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uwire-centralfloridawidereceiver&prov=uwire&type=lgns' target='_blank'>http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uw...uwire&type=lgns</a>
to get rid of my nerves.