Pac-10 Position Breakdown: Wide Receiver – Arizona State Sun Devils
Although the dissapointment of last year’s 5-7 season still resonates in Tempe, Arizona State returns a confident group of talented wide receivers that are among the most experienced in the Pac-10. This could very well be the strength of the offense, and head coach Dennis Erickson has been searching for new ways to get them the ball. Assuming incoming quarterback Danny Sullivan gets at least a little protection from the offensive line, this unit of wideouts should enjoy a productive 2009 campaign.
The Sun Devils return three of their top four receivers from 2008 (losing Mike Jones to graduation). All three are upper classmen, and should assist Sullivan in his transition as the new starting QB.
One of the conference’s most experienced receivers is sure-handed senior Chris McGaha. The 6-1 199 pound wideout has 112 career receptions for 1,569 yards and five touchdowns. Last season, he finished second on the team in catches and yards with 35 receptions for 501 yards and one touchdown. He had career highs in 2007 with 61 catches for 830 yards, which earned him honorable mention for All-Pac-10 honors.
McGaha is a fan favorite for the Sun Devil faithful because of his unique ability to make catches that seem impossible. The Phoenix (AZ) native has abnormally long fingers, which he uses to stab almost any ball in his area, often using only one hand. His crisp route running and deceptive speed make him ASU’s number one receiver.
Chris McGaha hauls one in by the fingertips
McGaha had a nagging toe injury for most of last season, but seems to be fully recovered. He ran very well during the spring and enters his final season in Tempe ready to make a big impact.
The most explosive Sun Devil receiver is senior Kyle Williams. Williams is an all-purpose threat, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. The Chaparral High School (AZ) standout made 19 receptions for 364 yards and four touchdowns last season (19.2 yards per catch). His four touchdown grabs tied a team high from 2008, and all four of his scores were catches of 20 yards or more. For his career, Williams has 52 catches for 811 yards and 10 TDs.
Williams is an electric return man as well. He led the Pac-10 with 17.0 yards per punt return during 2008, and was named first-team All-Pac-10 as a returner in 2007.
At 5-10 186 pounds, Williams has tremendous speed and quickness, making him ideal for the slot receiver spot. He enters 2009 as the big-play threat in the ASU passing attack.
The third starter at the position is junior Kerry Taylor. Taylor is a cross between Williams and McGaha, possessing excellent hands and good acceleration. The 6-0 197 pound receiver made 27 receptions for 405 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor averaged 15 yards per catch and had a reception in nine of the team’s 12 games.
Last season was Taylor’s first as a steady contributor, playing in all 12 games and making six starts. He displays excellent route running technique, and is not afraid to go across the middle. The Chandler (AZ) native will be counted on to contribute quite a bit, as he is one of the Devils main receiving threats for 2009.
Kerry Taylor runs in for the score
The x-factor at receiver could be true sophomore Gerell Robinson. At 6-4 230 pounds, Robinson is a towering receiver with incredible natural ability. He played sparingly in 2008 and finished with only three catches for 26 yards. Robinson was one of Dennis Erickson’s signature recruits for 2008, and he’s worked hard in the off-season hoping to meet the high expectations that were set for him when he arrived in Tempe. He has next-level ability, and could be a perfect option in the redzone.
Assuming he progresses this season, Robinson will give the Sun Devils a tall receiving target similar to Michael Jones role with the team over the last few seasons. The Rivals.com 4-star prospect out of Hamilton High School (AZ) was a U.S. Army All-American selection as a prep star. He figures to see significantly more playing time this season than he did as a freshman.
Tight Ends
The tight end spot may feature a number of providers for ASU in 2009.
Versatile senior Jovon Williams lacks a significant body of work, but possesses the type of athleticism that could make him a receiving threat for Danny Sullivan to utilize. At 6-4 231 pounds, Williams also has the size to be a solid blocker. The Covina (CA) native has only four career catches for 44 yards, but should see a ton of action in 2009.
Sophomore Dan Knapp showed great promise early in 2008 before missing the rest of the season with an injury against USC. In his limited action, he had three catches for 29 yards and one touchdown. The Reno (NV) native has the best combination of blocking and receiving skills of all the ASU tight ends. He is also the tallest of the group, measuring 6-5 258 pounds. Knapp missed some of spring ball with injuries, but should be healthy and ready to contribute frequently this fall.
True freshman Chris Coyle could be called on for Arizona State in 2009. The 6-3 235 pound standout from Oaks Christian (CA) was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American game as a high school senior, and was known as a great pass-catching tight end during his prep career. Coyle will attempt to work his way into the rotation this fall.
Other receivers and tight ends that could see time in 2009 are: seniors Brandon Smith and Stanley Malamala, sophomore T.J. Simpson, and freshmen Max Smith, A.J. Pickens, Allante Battle, Jarrid Bryant and Steven Figueroa.
My Take
The Devils have some proven commodities at wide receiver. I love McGaha’s circus-catch ability, and I’m looking forward to watching him play injury free. Williams is a dynamic all-purpose threat, and Taylor is a very good compliment to both of them.
The tight ends don’t have as much upside, and the unit must quickly develop an identity. Jovon Williams is talented but unproven, and the same could be said for Knapp. Obviously the offensive line will need help blocking from these tight ends, so it is important that a go-to-guy surfaces.
Gerell Robinson could be the most exciting difference between the 2008 receiving corp and the one debuting this fall in Tempe. He seems ready to make a splash, and I believe he will have a breakout year for ASU.
If Danny Sullivan has time to throw, this group of wideouts should help revive the Sun Devil’s offense in 2009.
Arizona State Sun Devils
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Chris Coyle, Chris McGaha, Dan Knapp, Football, Gerell Robinson, Jovon Williams, Kerry Taylor, Kyle Williams, Tight End, Wide Receiver
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