Stroughter (now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) ended his prolific Beaver career with 164 career receptions for 2,653 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a team-high 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Morales also played a key role in the offense in 2008, totaling 54 receptions for 743 yards and eight touchdowns during a fantastic senior season.

While it will be difficult to replace all of that production, the Beavers do return a number of talented wideouts, including an all-purpose superstar that tormented PAC-10 defenses along with his brother last season.

Sensational junior James Rodgers enters 2009 as one of the most versatile offensive weapons in all of college football. He may not receive the notoriety of his brother Jacquizz, but his presence on the OSU offense is essential.

James Rodgers fights off defenders

Last season, he amassed 1,833 all-purpose yards; a total that ranks third in school history. As a receiver, he was third on the team last season with 51 receptions for 607 yards and four TDs, while also adding 408 yards and five TDs as a rusher. Over his two-year career at Oregon State, Rodgers has averaged an astounding 10.9 yards per touch (as a receiver and rusher).

James Rodgers has become synonymous with the Beavers highly successful “Fly Sweep” formation. The popular offensive set has been instrumental in allowing Rodgers to gain 1,036 rushing yards and eight rushing TDs over the last two seasons. The fly sweep is designed to put Rodgers in space, allowing him to fully utilize his tremendous speed and quickness.

On top of being a rushing and receiving threat, the 5-7 185 pound Rodgers is also deadly on kick returns. Last season, he totaled 818 return yards and one TD (24.8 yards per return) on his way to garnering first team All-Pac-10 honors.

The Richmond (TX) native enjoyed a quiet spring in order to fully recover from a broken collarbone suffered last season in the Civil War against Oregon, but he should be full strength for fall camp. He will be the starter at flanker, and the focal point of the receiving corps in 2009.

Sammie Stroughter’s replacement at split end this season will be junior Darrell Catchings. As a freshman, Catchings looked like the next great OSU wideout, displaying an excellent skill-set and totaling 33 receptions for 386 yards and one TD. Last season, Catchings’ production was down considerably as he caught only 7 passes for 95 yards.

One reason for the slowed production was his struggle with type-2 diabetes throughout 2008. The Escondido (CA) native was diagnosed with diabetes before his freshman year, but it hadn’t affected his play until last season.

Catchings has taken the necessary steps to control the diabetes during the offseason, and the improvement on the field has been remarkable. He was the best receiver on the team during the spring, and over the course of two scrimmages he caught 13 passes for 423 yards four touchdowns.

The 5-11 173 pound receiver seems poised for a breakout year in 2009, and he has the field-stretching speed (4.39) that is necessary to offset the loss of Stroughter. Catchings will enter fall camp atop the depth chart at split end.

The likely candidate to replace Shane Morales is junior Casey Kjos. Last season, Kjos only made two catches for 15 yards, but he has impressed the OSU coaching staff during the off-season with his instinctual route running. He worked with the first team offense as the slot receiver for most of the spring, and will look to carry the positive momentum into fall camp.

At 6-2 210 pounds, he is a solid target with hands that remind some of Morales or even Beaver great Mike Hass. Kjos chose to play at OSU with the help of his first cousin, NFL veteran QB Jon Kitna. The Middletown (OH) native is an intelligent wideout, with a great understanding of the offense, and should provide the Beavers with a solid possession receiver.

One young receiver that will be too good to keep off the field is redshirt freshman Jordan Bishop. At 6-3 199 pounds, Bishop may have the best combination of size, speed and athleticism of any receiver on the roster. He excelled on the scout team last year and had an exceptional spring, leading all Beaver wideouts in the spring game with five catches for 95 yards. The Salem (OR) native will be Catchings primary backup, and should see significant playing time this season.

Tight End

One of the deepest positions on the OSU team is at tight end.  Head coach Mike Riley has always enjoyed employing multiple tight ends and H-backs; this year will be no different.

Senior Howard Croom is the veteran of the unit. Croom has accumulated 23 career starts, including nine last season. He only caught six passes for 37 yards in 2008, which was a significant drop from his 2007 campaign where he had 20 receptions for 188 yards and three TDs.

Howard Croom reaches out for the touchdown grab

At 6-3 240 pounds Croom displays excellent blocking ability, and solid receiving skills. He is by no means a seam-busting mismatch, but he can be a serviceable presence in the intermediate passing game. The Long Beach (CA) native enters fall with a slight edge as the starter.

Right behind Croom on the depth chart is junior Brady Camp. Last season, Camp started five games, and led the tight ends with 12 receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns. He figures to see even more time this year, and could line up with Croom in two tight-end sets.

At 6-4 259 pounds, Camp has established himself as a physical blocker (especially in the run game) and a reliable pass-catcher. The Gresham (OR) native should be heavily involved in the offense this season.

The primary H-back of the offense will be senior John Reese. Last season, Reese played in all 13 games and totaled 10 catches for 109 yards. He has good size (6-3 240 pounds), while possessing the mobility to move around at the line of scrimmage. The Upland (CA) product should compliment the tight ends nicely as both a blocker and receiver.

Other receivers and tight ends competing for time are: freshmen Kevan Walker, Markus Wheaton, and Geno Munoz, sophomore Joe Halahuni, and seniors Taylor Kavanaugh and Demola Adeniji.

My Take

I am always amazed at this program’s ability to develop talent. Mike Riley is one of the best coaches in the country at finding players that fit his system.

Obviously, the headliner is James Rodgers who should continue to put up gaudy all-purpose statistics. The OSU offensive scheme fits his style perfectly, and he and Jacquizz should continue to flourish in the misdirection-based “fly sweep” formation.

The rest of the receiving corps may need a little bit of time to come together, but there is plenty of talent. I believe Catchings will return to his promising freshman form and give the Beavers offense the deep threat it needs. I am not expecting Stroughter numbers, but if he plays remotely close to how he did during the spring then anything is possible. Kjos seems to be the perfect fit for the slotback spot, and I expect him to be a serviceable performer throughout the season.

The tight ends are not spectacular athletes, but I think they are perfect for this offense. Utilizing Croom and Camp in two tight end sets is great for the running game, and Reese gives the Beavers some versatility at H-back.

Overall, the Beavers should have a balanced offensive attack in 2009.

Head coach Pete Carroll always assembles a receiving corps full of blue-chippers, but this group seems especially potent.

The headliner of the unit is junior Damian Williams. Williams led all USC wideouts in 2008 with 58 receptions for 869 yards (15.0 YPC), and he finished second on the team with nine touchdowns. The former Arkansas transfer made a big impact in his debut season with the Trojans last year, quickly establishing chemistry with Mark Sanchez and becoming the most reliable option in the passing game. Williams ended the season with a masterful performance in the Rose Bowl, abusing the Penn State secondary for 162 yards and one TD on 10 catches.

In one year, he transformed from promising prospect to one of the best receivers in the country.

Damian Williams racks up more yardage

At 6-1 195 pounds, Williams possesses good size and an excellent skill set. He is the most polished route-runner that SC has had since former All-American WR Steve Smith, and he plays with an intuitive feel for the game that cannot be taught. Williams has solid speed (4.5), outstanding hands, and is a very good downfield-blocker (a skill he perfected with the Razorbacks since the passing game was rarely utilized).

The Springdale (AR) native has taken on a leadership role during the spring and summer, teaching the younger wideouts everything he knows in preparation for the 2009 season. Williams enters fall practice as a solid number one on the depth chart, and should help Aaron Corp a great deal as he transitions into being the starting QB.

Joining Williams as the starting split end will be lightning-fast junior Ronald Johnson. The 6-1 190 pound Johnson will provide the Trojan receiving corps with a formidable field stretcher (sub-4.4 speed). As a sophomore, Johnson finished third on the team in receptions, yards, and TDs with 33 catches for 570 yards and eight touchdowns (17.3 YPC). For his career, he has 40 catches for 680 yards and nine touchdowns.

Like Williams, Johnson enjoyed his best game of the 2008 season in the Rose Bowl. He caught four passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns against the Nittany Lions, and showcased his speed in front of a huge national audience.

Johnson has the ability to strike a defense quickly from anywhere on the field, and his presence must be accounted for at all times. The SC coaches have been raving about his off-season improvement, and Johnson himself has made it clear that speed will be only part of his skill set in 2009 as he expects to become a more complete receiver.

Johnson is also a dangerous return threat. He ranks 5th on USC’s career kickoff return chart with 1,000 yards. The Muskegon (MI) native will once again assume kickoff return duties on top of starting at wideout. The former Prep-Star All-American was given a 5-star rating by Rivals.com and rated as the #1 WR prospect in the country when he left Muskegon High School in 2006.

Johnson enters 2009 primed for his best season as a Trojan, and will be taking over the split end position that Patrick Turner manned in 2008.

Ronald Johnson uses the stiff arm

Johnson’s main backup at split end will be junior David Ausberry. At 6-4 235 pounds, Ausberry is built more in the mold of past USC split ends like Turner, Dwayne Jarrett and Mike Williams, giving the Trojans a physical wideout that can overpower smaller defensive backs. He played sparingly in 2008, catching six passes for 85 yards and one TD. For his career, the junior has 32 receptions for 325 yards and three TDs.

The Lemoore (CA) native was a Parade All-American and Rivals.com gave him 4-star recognition during his prep career at Lemoore High School. He could be a factor in the red zone for SC, and should play quite a bit when the Trojan coaches want to utilize a bigger receiver.

Another reserve receiver that could make an impact in 2009 is junior Travon Patterson. At 5-10 175 pounds, Patterson possesses the quickest first step of any Trojan receiver, and has tremendous straight-line speed as well. He appeared in 11 games during 2008, but only caught three passes for 25 yards. For his career, Patterson has seven receptions for 88 yards. The Long Beach (CA) native was a member of USC’s track team in 2008. Patterson will look to showcase his explosive speed and quickness with more playing time coming his way this season.

Two other wideouts that could see significant time in 2009 are redshirt freshman Brice Butler and junior Jordan Cameron.

The 6-3 200 pound Butler is still very early into his Trojan career, but he may be too good to keep off the field in 2009. Butler impressed everyone that watched him in the spring, and will now look to carry that momentum into fall practice. The former Prep-Star All-American at Norcross High School (GA) is a physical receiver with a big frame, and also possesses elite speed (4.4). He was rated as a 4-star prospect by Rivals.com and was ranked #1 for the “Best Hands” category.

The 6-5 220 pound Cameron started his college career as a forward on BYU’s basketball team in 2006-07 before heading to a junior college and then to USC. He played sparingly for the Trojans basketball team last season, on top of playing receiver and tight end for the football team in 2008 as a reserve. His rare combination of size (6-5), speed (4.4), and leaping ability (40-inch vertical) make him an intriguing option, especially in the red zone. The Newbury Park (CA) native will look to make the most of his opportunities in 2009.

Tight Ends

The starter at tight end for the second year in a row will be senior Anthony McCoy. Last season, McCoy had 22 receptions for 256 yards (11.6 YPC) and one touchdown on his way to earning honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors.

At 6-5 250 pounds, he has the size to be an effective blocker and the athletic ability to be a pass-catching threat. The Fresno (CA) native was a two-sport star at Bullard High School (CA) (football, basketball) and Rivals.com rated him as a 4-star prospect. McCoy will need to play his best football as a senior since he will be called on to make plays as a blocker and in the intermediate passing game for young Aaron Corp.

Behind McCoy on the depth chart is Rhett Ellison. The 6-5 255 pound redshirt sophomore may not be the starter but he should play extensively in 2009. Last season as a freshman, he caught four passes for 58 yards (14.5 YPC). Ellison will be used most when the Trojans go to their two-tight end sets, and he should compliment McCoy nicely. The Portola Valley (CA) native is extremely sure-handed, giving USC yet another red zone option.

Pushing Ellison hard for playing time is ultra-talented sophomore Blake Ayles. Ayles may be significantly better than McCoy and Ellison by the time his SC career is over, but he is only a sophomore right now. At 6-5 245 pounds, Ayles is a balanced tight end with a similar skill set to Arizona star Rob Gronkowski.

The Orange Lutheran High School (CA) standout played his prep football with Aaron Corp. Ayles was rated as the #2 tight end in the 2008 class by Rivals.com and he was given 4-stars, while receiving a 5-star rating from Scout.com. He enters fall right behind Ellison on the depth chart.

Other receivers and tight ends competing for time are: sophomores Brandon Carswell and Drew Ness, and freshman De’Von Flournoy.

My Take

A year ago, most people probably expected the 2009 USC receiving corps to be led by Vidal Hazelton (who has transfered to Cincinnati) but I think it’s safe to say that SC fans are happy with his replacement, Damian Williams. Williams is one of my favorite players in the conference, and a true class act with an infectious personality. He will lead a group of wideouts that are capable of restoring the production that was present when Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith ruled the Pac-10.

I am excited to see the “new” ROJO (Ronald Johnson) because he seems anxious to prove to everyone that he is more than just a vertical, go-route type of receiver. I also want to see if Ausberry can become the next great big-target receiver for USC.

At tight end, McCoy will be serviceable at the very least. He and Ellison give the Trojans a couple of steady providers, but I like Ayles more than either of them. I don’t know when Pete Carroll is going to unleash him, but when he does, watch out.

Overall, its all systems go for the SC receiving corps in 2009.

Head coach Paul Wulff would certainly love to run his no-huddle offense with this group of wideouts, but it will take some time for the new cast of skill position talent to develop in Pullman.

There is a ton of youthful inexperience in the WSU receiving corps, but the unit does have a few intriguing options. The group will be led by a lightning fast junior who is one of the best players on the team, not just at the position.

Junior wideout Jeshua Anderson enters 2009 as the Cougars main receiving threat. The 6-2 188 pound playmaker was the second leading receiver on the team last season (next to Brandon Gibson). He ended 2008 with 33 receptions for 305 yards and two touchdowns (9.2 YPC), and for his career he has 45 catches for 677 yards and four touchdowns. He is a native of Woodland Hills (CA) and was a two-sport star (football and track) at Taft High School (CA).

Jeshua Anderson goes up for the grab

Anderson is a tremendous overall athlete with world-class speed. He won back-to-back NCAA Championships in the 400m hurdles for 2008 and 2009. On top of that, he almost made it to the Olympics in Beijing last summer as a hurdler. Anderson will undoubtedly be the field stretcher of the unit, and Paul Wulff will look to get the speedster in space as much as possible. He missed spring ball in order to compete for the track team, but will be ready for fall practice.

To fully reach his potential, Anderson will have to become a more polished receiver. His wheels are amazing, but if he can become a better route-runner and improve his consistency as a pass-catcher, the Cougars will have an even more formidable weapon.

Next to Anderson, the player with the most time as a starting wideout is sophomore Kevin Norrell. Norrell played in all 13 games in 2008 as a true freshman, starting in six. He caught 11 passes for 124 yards (11.3 YPC) and also returned 16 kickoffs for 296 yards.

At 5-9 199 pounds, Norrell is a very elusive player with great acceleration and agility. He will line-up primarily in the slot as he did often in last year’s offense, and should increase his production after gaining valuable experience during his freshman year.

The Los Angeles (CA) native does not have great top-end speed but possesses some of the best hands on the team and plays with great instincts. Norrell will be a reliable target in Paul Wulff’s offense with his sharp route running and overall polished skill set, especially for a true sophomore.

Anderson and Norrell will be joined as starters by sophomore Jared Karstetter. The 6-4 203 pound wideout is a physically imposing receiver with solid skills. He played in all 13 games last season as a freshman and started three, but he managed only six receptions for 90 yards.

Although Karstetter had limited production in 2008, he made his biggest contribution when it mattered most. During the Apple Cup against Washington, Karstetter hauled in a huge 48-yard reception from Kevin Lopina during the final minute of regulation. His catch set up the game-tying field goal, and the Cougs would go on to win the game in overtime.

This season, the Spokane (WA) native should have a much larger role in the offense, and will provide WSU QB’s with a great compliment to the speedier Anderson and Norrell. Karstetter is a former standout basketball player at Ferris High School (WA), and has the hops to make an impact in the red zone. He also has deceptive speed for a big wideout, running the 40 in the 4.5 range.

Jared Karstetter secures the ball at practice

Juniors Daniel Blackledge and Jeff Solomon may also see time this season for the Cougars.

The 6-1 182 pound Blackledge played in nine games last season, finishing with nine receptions for 70 yards. He has spent most of his career on special teams but could be utilized quite a bit as a wideout in 2009. Blackledge gives WSU a balanced receiving threat, capable of running intermediate routes or going deep. The Colorado Springs (CO) native will start the year as a reserve, but could factor in quite a bit this season.

The 6-0 196 pound Solomon is a transfer from Paul Wulff’s old school, Eastern Washington. This will be his first season with Washington State, and he impressed the coaching staff already this past spring. The Seattle (WA) native played just about every position as a prep star at Ingraham High School (WA) and it is that kind of versatility that could land him playing time in 2009.

The most intriguing prospect on the team is junior Johnny Forzani. Forzani is a junior college transfer from Douglass College in Canada. The 6-1 195 pound wideout may turn out to be a steal for Paul Wulff because of his tremendous athleticism and blazing speed. Forzani has been timed at 4.37 in the 40 and gives WSU another field stretcher along with Anderson.

He spent time with the Calgary Colts (a CFL development team) catching 37 passes for 702 yards and nine touchdowns. The Calgary, Alberta, Canada native may be eased into the rotation, but should threaten for time this season.

Finally, true freshman Gino Simone will enter fall camp with a chance to earn playing time. Simone was a spectacular performer at Skyline High School (WA), and a bit overlooked nationally. The 5-11 174 pound wideout was one of the major reasons that Skyline won back to back state titles, with a combined 2,282 receiving yards and 33 TDs during his last two years in high school. His production alone makes him a viable candidate for playing time in Pullman.

Tight Ends

The likely starter at tight end this season will be senior Tony Thompson. At 6-2 241 pounds, Thompson does not have the height of a prototypical tight end, but he does have pedigree going for him. Thompson is the son of legendary Washington State QB Jack Thompson, also known as “The Throwin’ Samoan”.

Last season, Thompson saw action in 10 games, but only caught four passes for 30 yards on the season. Thompson has spent most of his career on special teams, appearing as the team’s deep snapper for the early part of his career. The former walk-on from Seattle (WA) must continue to develop if he is to be the starter for a full season.

Behind Thompson on the depth chart right now is senior Zach Tatman. The Salem (OR) native is also a former walk-on and enters 2009 without any game experience after redshirting last season. The 6-5 245 pound tight end has a big frame, and should provide the offensive line with blocking help.

Other receivers and tight ends competing for time are: freshmen Dominique Jackson, Esa Johnwell, Skylar Stormo, Andrei Lintz and Elliott Bosch, and juniors Easton Johnson, Randy Johnson, Aaron Gehring, and Anthony Houston.

My Take

Like many positions, this will be a year of development at receiver for the Cougars. That’s not to say that there isn’t talent, because there is, but the wideouts are young.

Obviously it all starts with Anderson, who really is a spectacular athlete. I expect him to surpass his production from the last two years, but the coaches will need to be creative because every defense that plays WSU will be focusing their efforts on stopping Anderson. I also think Norrell and Karstetter can be good contributors, but expect growing pains along the way.

Cougar fans should keep an eye out for Forzani and Simone. Both of them can give the overall skill position talent a real boost if they are as good as advertised. Forzani is the only vertical threat besides Anderson, and I expect to see him on the field early in the season. Simone has tremendous instincts, and I think he can help out right away too.

Unfortunately, I do not see a ton of upside at tight end. It is very important for Thompson to solidify the position, because depth is scary-thin for this unit.

Overall, this year is about building a foundation at receiver for the Washington State Cougars.

The receiving corps features everything you could want: size, speed, and after a year of growing pains, experience.

The leading receiver from 2008 is senior Nyan Boateng. Last season, Boateng finished with 29 catches for 439 yards and five touchdowns. The former Florida transfer displayed his explosive skill set in 2008, but has plenty of upside left in what could be a very successful senior season.

The 6-2 211 pound wideout can be a vertical threat, but also has the size to work the middle of the field. He is physical enough to block downfield as well, which could help spring the tailback duo of Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen when they get into the secondary (which will be a regular occurance).

Boateng has feature-receiver ability and must now become a polished version of his 2008 self. The Brooklyn (NY) native was considered one of the top prospects in the country when he left Lincoln High School (NY). Rivals.com gave Boateng 4-star recognition and he was invited to the U.S. Army All-American game. Boateng enjoyed a solid spring and enters fall as a lock to start.

Nyan Boateng celebrates a touchdown

One of the biggest differences between the 2008 Cal offense and the one that will debut this fall could be the return of sophomore Marvin Jones. Jones suffered a knee injury early last season that ended his sophomore year prematurely, and he finished with only one reception for eight yards.

The 6-2 190 pound wideout is as gifted as any receiver in the group, and the Cal coaches couldn’t stop raving about him this past spring. Jones showed no lingering effects of the injury in April, running silky smooth routes and catching almost everything in sight.

Jones was a standout receiver at Etiwanda High School (CA). Rivals.com and Scout.com rated him as a 4-star talent, and he was named a SuperPrep All-American as well. His last two years in high school were excellent, with a combined 2,349 receiving yards and 22 TDs to close out his career. Jones looks primed for a breakout season in 2009.

The favorite to start as the Bears slot receiver appears to be sophomore Alex Lagemann. Like Jones, Lagemann suffered injury setbacks in 2008 that kept him from seeing the field. The 6-1 205 pound wideout runs very precise routes and hardly ever drops a ball, while also displaying deceptive speed (4.51). The Saratoga High School (CA) star was given 4-stars by Scout.com after a stellar prep career.

Lagemann made the absolute most of spring ball, finishing as the leading receiver in the spring game with five catches for 73 yards and one TD. He now enters fall practice with an edge on the slot receiver spot.

Senior Verran Tucker finished 2008 with the second most receiving yards on the team, catching 21 passes for 362 yards and three touchdowns. Last year was Tucker’s first with the Bears after transferring from El Camino Community College (CA). The 6-1 204 pound wideout was one of the top Juco players in 2007 and showed promising ability in his first season with Cal.

He has good leaping ability, solid speed (4.5), and the ability to separate from defenders. The Torrance (CA) native had to sit out spring for academic purposes but will be back for the fall. When Tucker returns, he should see plenty of action in 2009.

Verran Tucker fights for extra yards

Two more receivers that could make a difference this fall are sophomore Michael Calvin and junior Jeremy Ross.

The 6-2 205 pound Calvin tore his ACL before he could find his stride in 2008, and has been working to become a part of the WR rotation once again. He was the Scout Team Player of the Year during his redshirt year of 2007, and the Cal coaches love his potential.

Calvin was rated as a 4-star prospect by Scout.com and was a SuperPrep All-American selection. He possesses very good upper body strength, and has been timed at 4.48 in the 40. The San Lorenzo (CA) product should compete for time behind Boateng and Jones this fall.

The 5-11 206 pound Ross played well as a sophomore, catching 17 passes for 210 yards and two TDs. Ross also returned kicks last year, with 17 returns for 337 yards, and rushed for 62 yards on nine carries. Ross had three straight games where he finished with over 100 all-purpose yards in 2008 (119 vs. Ore, 123 vs. UCLA, 141 vs. UA).

He is a spectacular athlete, setting school records among receivers in the vertical jump (37.5), the squat (500 pounds) and the power clean (330 pounds). On top of all that, he has legitimate 4.4 speed, making him a terror for corners and safeties to deal with. The Sacramento (CA) native enters fall as Nyan Boateng’s main backup.

Tight Ends

Last year’s starter at tight end was Cameron Morrah. Many assumed he would be the starter again this season, but his surprising decision to go pro has left a bit of a void at the position. Cal must now find a stabilizing presence at tight end for 2009.

The likely starter (despite having a current injury) is senior Tad Smith. Smith is a converted defensive end entering his second season at the position. Last year, he had three receptions for 23 yards and one TD.

The 6-5 248 pound Smith may miss the start of the season after breaking his Scapula on April 2, 2009. The Isleton (CA) native has been plagued by injuries before in his Cal career, but should play for the majority of the season if he can make a full recovery as is expected.  Smith is an excellent blocker, and must now work on becoming more of a pass-catching threat.

If Smith is down for an extended period of time, the onus falls on sophomore Anthony Miller. The 6-3 258 pound Miller is a gifted athlete with solid speed and agile feet. Miller only had one catch for two yards last season, but it was a touchdown reception. The San Jose (CA) native was likely to get playing time even with a healthy Smith as the starter; now Miller could begin the season as the feature tight end.

One more name to look out for is redshirt freshman Spencer Ladner. The 6-7 253 pound Ladner is a tremendous prospect with more upside than anyone else in the group. He redshirted last year and is ready for his first year of action.

The Kansas City (MO) native was a SuperPrep All-American and earned 4-star recognition from both Rivals and Scout.com.  He’s had a college-ready physique from the minute he stepped on campus, and will be a force for years in Berkeley as both a ferocious blocker and a sure-handed receiver. Ladner could give the Bears a huge boost at tight end this fall.

My Take

The Cal receivers are as physically gifted a group as any coach could ask for; now they must play like it. This is arguably the most important unit besides QB in determining the Bears fate for 2009.

The return of Marvin Jones is the reason I think the Bears will be successful at receiver. Jones is tremendously gifted and appears ready to be the difference maker. I also look for Boateng to have a breakout season to close out his career, giving the Bears a formidable 1-2 punch at wideout.

My x-factor is Jeremy Ross. He is a ridiculous athlete that could be the perfect mismatch in Tedford’s offense. I expect the talented junior to have a productive season in 2009.

Tight end is a bit of an unknown right now because of the injury to Smith. The Bears are going through a transitional time at TE after the loss of Morrah, and the young players may have to develop quicker than expected. I love Ladner’s measurables, but I’m not sure if he is ready. In the end, I expect Miller and Smith to be serviceable but not spectacular.

Bottom line: the Bears could be smelling roses if the wideouts play up to their potential.

Thomas, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, finished his spectacular UA career with a conference-record 259 receptions, and accounted for 3,231 receiving yards and 22 TDs as a four-year starter.

Although Thomas was the heartbeat of the receiving corps over the last four years, the Wildcats will now move on with a trio of excellent pass-catching playmakers. Arizona’s innovative offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes will have two of the more experienced receivers in the conference at his disposal, as well as the services of America’s best tight end.

Junior Delashaun Dean was last year’s second leading receiver for UA (behind Mike Thomas). Dean finished 2008 with 53 receptions for 593 yards and four touchdowns, capped off by a great performance in the Las Vegas Bowl against BYU.

Delashaun Dean heads to the sideline

Dean totaled seven catches for 88 yards and a score against the Cougars, helping UA win their first bowl game since 1998. For his career, the junior has 90 catches for 1,011 yards and five touchdowns.

At 6-4 202 pounds, Dean possesses excellent size and great hands. He uses his long arms in a similar manner to former USC standout Dwayne Jarrett, catching the ball at its highest point and leaving most defensive backs helpless.

The former two-sport standout at Fairfield High School (CA) uses his basketball instincts and leaping ability very well, which make him especially valuable when he is matched up one on one. He was rated as a 4-star prospect by Scout.com, and recognized as a SuperPrep All-American.

Dean has solid speed (4.5) and can be deceptively good after the catch. Dykes’ playbook features a variety of receiver screens that are designed to put wideouts in space, and Dean should continue to flourish in these schemes as both a pass-catcher and blocker. He will enter the 2009 season as one of the primary targets for the ‘Cats offense.

Joining Dean as a starter at wideout will be senior Terrell Turner. Last season, Turner finished a productive junior campaign with 43 receptions for 580 yards and one touchdown. For his career, Turner has 94 catches for 1,162 yards and five touchdowns. Like Dean, Turner was also a big contributor in the Las Vegas Bowl win over BYU, with four catches for 111 yards (27.8 YPC).

The 6-2 190 pound senior is a superb route-runner, with enough speed and quickness to pile up yards after the catch. He also has some of the best hands on the team, giving Dykes a reliable wideout who can act as the team’s possession receiver. The Garland (TX) native will provide the receiving corps with senior leadership, a role that Mike Thomas occupied last season.

In the spring game, Turner endeared himself to his teammates (half of them at least) by catching the game-winning TD pass from Matt Scott. His clutch reception allowed the White Team to eat a fancy steak dinner later that night, while the Blue Team ate hot dogs and hamburgers. Turner enters fall as a clear starter along with Dean.

Terrell Turner celebrates a touchdown

One young receiver that will try to breakout for the ‘Cats this season is redshirt sophomore William “Bug” Wright. At 5-9 175 pounds, Wright is built similarly to Mike Thomas, and could take on the same role in this year’s offense.

Many around the Old Pueblo believe “Bug” may be utilized in the slot, on reverses, and in the return game the same way that Thomas was used. His only action during 2008 was in the season opener against Idaho where he caught three passes for 42 yards, but he will see the field a lot more in 2009.

Wright’s skill set is unlike any other player on the UA roster. He has game-breaking speed and rare instincts in the open field. Wright has made remarkable progress at wideout since arriving at Arizona. The Tatum (OK) native was a high school QB at Pauls Valley H.S., and had never played receiver until arriving in Tucson.

Wright enters the fall with a great chance to start as the slot receiver for the Wildcats this season, and could become a primary return man as well.

Fellow sophomore Juron Criner will also have a chance to play often this season. As a true freshman, Criner played in all 13 games and started three. He flashed his ability with 7 receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown.

The 6-4 210 pounds Criner has tremendous upside, and possesses the physical tools to be a difference maker for Arizona. He has greatly improved in one season under the UA coaching staff, and could see his playing time increase dramatically in 2009.

The Las Vegas (NV) native was also a very good basketball player at Canyon Spring High School, and could become a factor in the red zone this season. He will compete for time as the primary backup to Terrell Turner.

Tight Ends

Arizona returns arguably the best tight end in all of college football, junior Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski is one of the favorites for the Mackey Award (Best Tight End in Nation) this season, and is on numerous pre-season All-American lists.

Last season, he finished first on the team with 10 receiving TDs to go along with 47 receptions for 672 yards. In his two-year career, the junior has 75 receptions for 1,197 yards and 16 TDs, making him the school-record holder for career receptions, yards, and TDs by a tight end. He is also the single-game and single-season school record holder for the same categories.

Rob Gronkowski trucks through defenders

At 6-6 265 pounds, Gronkowski is one of the most complete tight ends to come out of the conference in years. He possesses a devastating skill set, with equally great blocking and receiving abilities, as well as remarkable speed for a player his size (4.6).

Gronkowski is a dominant force in the intermediate passing game, with the ability to run past linebackers and shrug off defensive backs. He has become a very good route-runner under Dykes, which was thought to be his only real weakness when he entered college. He was also instrumental in the prolific Arizona running game last season, helping to open holes for Nic Grigsby and Keola Antolin.

The Amherst (NY) native was a high school football star at Woodland Hills High in Pittsburgh (PA). He garnered PrepStar All-American honors, and was given a 4-star rating by Scout and Rivals.com.

He enters 2009 as the focal point of the Arizona passing attack, and one of the biggest stars in the conference.

There will actually be two Gronkowski’s lining up for the Wildcats this season. Senior Chris Gronkowski is the older brother of Rob, and a good player in his own right. The former Maryland transfer will be Arizona’s H-Back this season because of his versatile skill set. Last season, he caught eight passes for 198 yards and three TDs.

On top of being a solid pass-catcher, the 6-2 235 pound senior is a great lead blocker, and will be involved heavily in the running attack this season. He is an intelligent player, and will give the Wildcats an experienced senior leader. The Amherst (NY) native should contribute in a big way this fall.

Other receivers and tight ends competing for time are: junior A.J. Simmons, sophomores Devin Veal and David Douglas, and freshmen Travis Cobb, DeWayne Peace, Terrence Miller, and Jake Baucus.

My Take

You would think that the loss of the conference’s all-time leading receiver would be a lot for Arizona to overcome this year, but the program is doing just fine. In fact, receiver is one of the strongest units on the team and the talent is in place for this group to have a big year even with a new QB.

Dean is more than capable of surpassing his totals from last year, and Turner is as well. I think Wright is the key for the wide receivers this season, and if he turns out to be half as good in the slot as Thomas was last year, the ‘Cats will have another successful passing attack.

There is no doubt in my mind that Rob Gronkowsi is the best tight end in America, and I expect him to prove it all season long. He makes every other player on the Arizona offense better, because the defense must account for him at all times. I would not be surprised to see him win the Mackey Award this year, as long as either Scott or Foles can settle in as the starting QB.

The losses of Willie Tuitama and Mike Thomas may cause a decline in sheer numbers, but expect Sonny Dykes to make great use of these talented pass-catchers in 2009.

While Husky fans will need to temper expectations, the skill position talent at UW has intriguing potential.  The receiving corp is littered with gifted underclassmen, and most of them got their feet wet as true freshmen. If the young wideouts can develop more consistency, they will become a dangerous unit for Locker to utilize.

Junior D’Andre Goodwin will be the lead Dawg for the rest of the receivers in 2009. Goodwin is the lone upperclassmen of the unit, and led all UW wideouts last season with 60 receptions for 692 yards and one touchdown, on his way to earning honorable mention All-Pac 10. His 60 catches were the most by a Husky receiver since Reggie Williams caught 89 in 2003.

D'Andre Goodwin dives for some extra yards

Goodwin has established himself as a legitimate number one option for Washington, tripling the receptions total of the next best Husky receiver (20 catches).

He could see his numbers go up this season in Sarkisian’s pro-style offense.

At 5-11 175 pounds, Goodwin has elite speed with the quickness to separate from defenders. The Pacoima (CA) native enjoyed a solid spring, and should be the primary deep threat for UW throughout the season.

One of the many sophomore receivers that will play for UW this season is Jermaine Kearse. Kearse finished second on the team in 2008 with 301 receiving yards on 20 receptions, and also led the receiving unit with two touchdown catches. He played in every game last season, and will now look to build on a solid freshman season.

At 6-2 201 pounds, Kearse is a physical receiver that can shield a defender with his strength, while also possessing the quickness to beat cornerbacks down the field. Scout.com rated the Lakewood (WA) native as a 4-star athlete after a great prep career at Lakes High School that ended with a trip to the U.S. Army All-American game. He enjoyed a solid spring, capped off by a five-catch, 70-yard, one TD day in the White vs. Purple spring game.

Like Kearse, sophomore Devin Aguilar also saw extensive playing time during his freshman season. Aguilar finished 2008 tied for second on the team with 20 receptions, and his 246 receiving yards were third among Husky wideouts. He played in all 12 games in his first season, quickly establishing himself as a playmaker against Oklahoma in week 3 with a five-catch 71-yard afternoon.

The 6-0 184 pound receiver displays excellent athleticism, and should give Locker a solid number three option. Aguilar was a tremendous high school player at Mullen High in Denver (CO). The Denver Post voted him as the Offensive Player of the Year in Colorado for his senior year. He had a productive spring, and should play a significant role in this year’s offense.

Devin Aguilar pulls in the catch

The x-factor of the unit could be redshirt freshman Anthony Boyles. Boyles was part of the 2007 class, but delayed his enrollment at U-Dub until January of 2008. The 6-3 193 pound wideout is the perfect “Sarkisian-style” receiver: big, fast, and physical.

He should flourish in the pro-style offense, and could become a mainstay starter for years to come if he continues to blossom. The Compton (CA) native was a Rivals.com 4-star selection and PrepStar All-American. Boyles played well in the spring, and will join Goodwin as another field stretcher for UW.

Two more sophomores that could contribute this season are Jordan Polk and Cody Bruns.

The 5-8 161 pound Polk played in all but one game as a freshman, with four catches for 55 yards. He led the Huskies in kick return yards with 595, and Sarkisian may use the agile Portland (OR) native more frequently in the passing game this season.

Bruns is the sure-handed receiver of the group. He played in seven games last season, with 3 catches for 40 yards. At 5-11 181 pounds, the Prosser (WA) product owns three state records at the high school level (Prosser High School) with 310 receptions for 5,178 yards and 72 TDs during his excellent prep career. He should be a valuable contributor for Washington this fall.

Tight Ends

Redshirt sophomore Chris Izbicki will start the year atop the depth chart at tight end. Izbicki was a heralded recruit for former coach Tyron Willingham, but never saw playing time in his first two seasons in Seattle, partly because of problems off the field (2 misdemeanor charges as a redshirt freshman).

At 6-3 249 pounds, he is a solidly built athlete with good hands and deceptive speed, but his real strength is as a blocker. Izbicki can be a punishing force in the run game, and should greatly aid the porous UW offensive line in opening running lanes this season. The Kirkland (WA) native was given a 4-star rating by Scout.com and Rivals.com.

One of the best talents on the entire team is sophomore Kavario Middleton. As a true freshman he caught 12 passes for 82 yards, playing sparingly over 12 games. With experience under his belt, Middleton now figures to see a lot more action in 2009. The Lakewood (WA) native could have made an excellent defensive end as well, but his future is as a pass-catching tight end.

At 6-5 260 pounds, Middleton has prototypical size for a tight end. He possesses long arms and excellent athletic ability, which should allow him to flourish as a mismatch for defenses, especially in the red-zone.  Middleton was teammates with Jermaine Kearse at Lakes High School (WA) and he earned great acclaim as a high school player. Rivals.com gave Middleton 4-stars, while Scout.com gave him 5-stars, and he was also a Parade All-American. He should be a prominent part of the passing game, while splitting time with Izbicki at tight end.

Other players competing for time are: junior Tony Chidiac, sophomore Romeo Savant, and freshmen Taylor Gillum, Luther Leonard and Vince Taylor.

My Take

It may not show up in the win-loss column, but this will be an improved passing attack. There is a plethora of sophomore receiving talent, and all of them were able to learn the ropes last season. If the spring is any indication of what’s to come, this unit of wideouts could turn some heads in the conference during 2009.

Goodwin will set the tone for the receiving corp. I expect him to draw a few double teams, which should open things up for the other guys. Kearse and Aguilar are reliable options, and Husky fans have to be excited about the potential of Boyles. If he turns out to be as good as advertised, Washington will have a playmaker for years to come.

I love Middleton as a potential breakout player in 2009. Izbicki is a very good tight end in his own right, but Middleton is too good to be a reserve. I expect to see Sarkisian line him up all over the field as a mismatch option.

Overall, I foresee the Husky receiving corp greatly improving under Sark’s pro-style offense in 2009.

Primary 2008 contributors Terence Scott and Jaison Williams are gone to graduation (combined 3,301 yards and 26 TD’s for their careers). Promising young receivers Chris Harper and Aaron Pflugrad have decided to transfer to other schools (Kansas State and Arizona State, respectively).

Despite losing all of that production and potential, head coach Chip Kelly still has plenty to like about the Ducks wideouts in 2009. The receiving unit will be greatly aided by some of the most athletic tight ends in the Pac-10, including an accomplished senior that is one of America’s best at the position.

One wide receiver that figures to get more of the spotlight after all of the off-season shuffling is junior Jeff Maehl. Only a couple of years ago, Maehl was playing as a reserve in the defensive secondary before switching to wideout. He had an excellent 2008 campaign at WR, catching 39 passes for 421 yards while also tying for the team lead in TD catches with five. He started every game of the season in 2008 for Oregon.

Jeff Maehl secures the ball for the catch

The 6-1 175 pound Maehl is a reliable pass-catcher, with a knack for running tight routes and finding the gaps in defensive zones. He is a perfect fit for the slot in Chip Kelly’s spread-offense, and has already established chemistry with Masoli. The Paradise (CA) native enjoyed a productive spring, and will begin the season as one of the three starters at wide receiver.

The most exciting wideout on the team is junior Jamere Holland. The transfer from USC will be entering his second season with the Ducks, and although he had a quiet 2008 campaign (4 receptions, 53 yards), Eugene is buzzing about his potential in 2009.

At 6-1 185 pounds, Holland is a prototypical deep-threat with world-class speed. The Taft High School (CA) product won state track titles in the 100m and 200m in 2005, and recorded a 10.36 100m time in 2006 (3rd fastest time in the nation in 2006).

Holland was arguably the best offensive player of the entire spring. He caught lengthy touchdown passes in multiple practice sessions throughout April. After struggling to learn the playbook for much of last season, Holland will enter 2009 with a firm grasp of Kelly’s offense. His ability to stretch the field should create space for the other receivers and running backs, and he enters spring as the starting wideout on the outside.

Aaron Plufgrad’s decision to transfer has opened the door for senior Rory Cavaille. The 6-3 207 pound former walk-on is primed for a much bigger role with the offense than he has had in the past. Cavaille has only 6 career receptions for 42 yards and one TD, but is a sure-handed receiver with good route-running skills. The Shelton (WA) native could be pushed for playing time during 2009, but will enter the season as the third starting receiver.

Junior receiver D.J. Davis could be a factor for the Ducks this season. He showed great ability in 2008 before an injury against Stanford cut his season short. The 6-1 205 pound Davis has eight career catches for 120 yards and one touchdown. Rivals and Scout.com gave the Denver (CO) native 4-star recognition after his great career at Montbello High School. Davis enters the fall right behind Cavaille on the depth chart.

Exciting newcomers Tyrece Gaines and Diante Jackson could also find playing time in 2009.

The 6-2 225 pound Gaines is a junior college transfer from Butler County C.C. (KS). He is a great athlete possessing 4.4 speed, and also has the size to block downfield. Gaines was given a 4-star rating by Rivals.com and ranked as the #8 junior college player in the country.

The 6-1 188 pound Jackson is a true freshman, choosing Oregon over a few other Pac-10 schools. The Walnut Creek (CA) native was also a Rivals and Scout.com 4-star selection. He will push the starters for time this fall.

One more name to look out for this season is sophomore Lavasier Tuinei. The 6-5 200 pound JC transfer is a big target who could offset the loss of Jaison Williams (another big target). Tuinei transferred to Oregon from Golden West C.C. and participated in spring practice this past April in Eugene. The Arcadia (IN) native showed Chip Kelly and the UO coaches what he could do in the spring game, catching a team high five passes for 59 yards and one touchdown for the Green squad.

Tight Ends

Senior Ed Dickson leads this deep and talented group of tight ends. Dickson has been a mainstay at the position for the last couple of years, and enters 2009 as a Mackey Award candidate. Last season, he finished second on the team in receiving yards with 508 yards on 35 receptions and three touchdowns. For his career, Dickson has 82 catches for 1,006 yards and 6 TDs. He earned second team All-Pac-10 honors last season.

Ed Dickson reaches out for the catch

The 6-5 243 pound Dickson is the Ducks premier pass-catcher heading into 2009. For his size, Dickson runs with very good speed, and can be a mismatch for any defense. He has the size to outmuscle defensive backs, and the speed to run by linebackers. Dickson is also a gifted blocker, helping to open holes for the great Oregon run game during his career in Eugene. The Bellflower (CA) native will enter his last season at Oregon primed and ready for a great 2009 season.

Dickson will be backed up by another supremely athletic tight end in junior Malachi Lewis. The 6-4 220 pound Lewis has played sparingly in every game since joining the Ducks two years ago, and has 5 receptions for 37 yards in his career. Chip Kelly may utilize his great hands and speed more this season, but Lewis must also demonstrate that he has improved as a blocker. The Oxnard (CA) native enjoyed a solid spring and is the clear number two on he depth chart.

Hybrid athlete Dion Jordan could be called upon as a receiver or tight end this season. At 6-7 215 pounds, the gifted redshirt freshman is a frightening mismatch option for defensive coordinators to deal with. He may not see much time with Dickson and Lewis in front of him, but he would be a perfect fit for the red-zone offense. The Chandler (AZ) native was given 4-stars by Scout.com.

Other receivers and tight ends competing for time are: freshman Will Murphy and Blake Cantu, and sophomores David Paulson and Garrett Embry.

My Take

When you have a running game that averages 280 yards per contest, the offense is already in pretty good shape; but I believe this unit of receivers has the potential to make Oregon a balanced offensive attack in 2009. With all of the off-season losses at wideout, there are still plenty of weapons for Jeremiah Masoli to work with.

It all starts with Dickson, who I think could be all-conference again this season. Masoli found him often in 2008, and the production should go up even more in 2009. Maehl is a steady provider, and the excitement surrounding Holland is palpable in Eugene. I expect the former track star to be a hit this season, as long as he continues to make the strides that he did during the spring. There are also some exciting freshmen that could have an impact as the season develops.

The unit has question marks, but I believe that all of this talent will come together for a productive season in 2009.

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.

The top two receivers from last year’s team are back, and head coach Jim Harbaugh’s excellent recruiting class from 2008 gives Stanford a much-needed influx of talent at the position.

Last season’s leading receiver is junior Ryan Whalen. The reliable Whalen had 41 receptions for 508 yards last year, which were both team highs by a mile. The Alamo (CA) native only found the end zone one time, but came up with critical grabs throughout the season. He appeared in all 12 games last year, making seven starts. The 6-2 205 pound Whalen is a former walk-on that only had one career reception before exploding onto the scene in 2008.

Now on scholarship, Whalen is a sure-handed receiver that has steadily improved since arriving on campus in Palo Alto in 2007. He doesn’t possess great speed, but he’s a smooth route-runner and can create space very effectively.

Ryan Whalen goes up for the grab

He had a productive spring, leading the White team in receiving yards during the spring game. Whalen caught four passes for 78 yards from Andrew Luck in a winning cause against the Cardinal team. The steady junior should continue to build on the early chemistry he has established with Luck.

Junior Doug Baldwin is Stanford’s best returning playmaker. The 5-11 189 pound wideout is the field-stretcher of the unit. His big-play ability is used in a variety of ways. Last season, Baldwin finished with 23 receptions for 332 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns. He also had 81 rushing yards and a rushing TD.

On top of being a dynamic receiver, Baldwin is an excellent return man. He has averaged over 24 yards per kick return and 8.5 yards per punt return during his career. The Gulf Breeze (FL) native played in all 12 games last year, starting nine of them. Like Whalen, Baldwin also enjoyed a nice spring game. He enters 2009 as a key component of the passing attack.

The Stanford coaching staff is very high on sophomore Chris Owusu. After the surprising decision by Harbaugh and Co. to move former starting WR Richard Sherman to the defensive secondary, Owusu will see increased playing time.

The speedy wideout from Westlake Village (CA) missed the first half of last season with a torn MCL but rebounded nicely in the second half of the season. Owusu finished his freshman season with 5 catches for 80 yards. Rivals.com gave Owusu 4-stars and ranked him as one of the best 250 players in the 2008 recruiting class. His combination of size and speed should give the Cardinal an added element in the passing game.

The major backup for Ryan Whalen looks to be sophomore Warren Reuland. At 6-5 210 pounds, Reuland only caught three passes for 29 yards, but he is a promising athlete with good hands and leaping ability. He could factor into Stanford’s offense in red-zone situations. The Mission Viejo (CA) native played in nine games as a true freshman last season.

The 2008 recruiting class features two potential game breakers for the Cardinal receiving corp in 2009.

True Freshmen Jemari Roberts and Jamal-Rashad Patterson were two of Jim Harbaugh’s prize recruits last year. They are both tremendous talents that could see the field in week one.

Long Beach (CA) native Jemari Roberts fielded offers from numerous Pac-10 programs, but elected to help build the ‘Furd into something special. The 6-3 205 pound wideout has great speed to go along with his size, and could be a return man for the Cardinal as well. He was given 4-stars by Rivals.com and ranked as the 18th best receiver in the 2009 class. At Wilson High School (CA), Roberts totaled 2,700 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns in his career.

Jemari Roberts made it official on signing day

Patterson arrives on the Farm from McDonough, Georgia. Harbaugh has praised the 6-3 201 pound receiver for his tremendous potential. Like Roberts, Rivals.com gave Patterson a 4-star rating and ranked him the 28th best receiving prospect in the class. During his four-year career at Henry County High School (GA), Patterson accumulated 3,100 yards and 41 touchdowns. He was also a track star in high school, setting school records in the 300m hurdles, 4×100m relay, and 4×400m relay.

Tight Ends

Senior Jim Dray is atop the depth chart at tight end. The Paramus (NJ) native has made a full recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in the 2007 season that required two surgeries. Dray played in eight games last season and although he only caught two passes for 12 yards, both were touchdown receptions.

For his career, the 6-5 255 pound veteran has 30 receptions for 306 yards and four TDs. Through great determination, Dray has proven that he can fight adversity and will now look to end his career on a high note. He is a balanced tight end, with great blocking and receiving skills.

Right behind Dray is junior Coby Fleener. The 6-6 248 pound hybrid is agile enough to be a wideout, but has the size of a tight end. He can stretch the field with great speed, which he demonstrated in the spring game when he hauled in a 32-yard touchdown from Andrew Luck.

Last season, Fleener finished with 13 receptions for 176 yards (3rd most receiving yards on team). The Lemont (IL) product could have an increased role in the passing game this season. His size and athleticism could be of great use in red-zone situations.

Junior Konrad Reuland will be joining his brother Warren on the Cardinal this season. The 6-6 257 pound tight end is a transfer from Notre Dame, and will be playing his first season with Stanford in 2009. He was one of the premier tight end prospects in the 2006 recruiting class when he left Mission Viejo High School (CA). Rivals.com gave him a 4-star rating and he was a Parade All-American. Reuland should split time with Dray and Fleener.

Other receivers and tight ends competing for time are: junior Marcus Rance, and freshmen Drew Terrell, Levine Toilolo, Ryan Hewitt, and Zach Ertz.

My Take

This unit had a fantastic spring and enters 2009 with confidence. Still, with so many young players being counted on, it’s difficult to know how much improvement will be made from last season. I do believe Stanford will be much better than 103rd in passing, but this should continue to be a run-dominated offense. I expect Whalen and Baldwin to be steady but not spectacular. Owusu may be the key for the passing game this season, and he must establish a deep-threat presence for the Cardinal.

Harbaugh has done a great job bringing in blue-chippers at receiver and tight end, and the offense will one day be a very balanced attack. I think both Roberts and Patterson are future stars, and it will be interesting to see how soon they hit the field.

Toby Gerhart will lead the charge for Stanford this year, but Andrew Luck and his talented cast of young receivers will be fun to watch in the future.

After a dismal 2008 campaign, Chow and Neuheisel hit the recruiting trail hard. Their efforts seem to be paying off, especially at the wide receiver and tight end positions. As a result, the Bruins will feature an intriguing mix of youthful promise and veteran talent in the receiving corp this fall. Incoming quarterback Kevin Prince should have some weapons to work with, and Norm Chow may finally have a chance to fully showcase his heralded pro-style offense.

The top three receivers from last year’s squad are back, including sure-handed sophomore Taylor Embree.

The 6-3 194 pound Embree burst onto the scene last season, setting school records for receiving yards (531) and receptions (40) among freshmen wideouts. His 531 receiving yards led all Bruins in 2008 and his 40 catches were second on the team. Embree’s fantastic freshman season garnered national attention as he was named second team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News. He played in all 12 games, and started eight.

Terrence Austin returns a kick for big yards

Embree is a possession-receiver in the best sense of the term. The Overland Park (KS) native is an exceptionally gifted route-runner and possesses rare instincts that allow him to separate from defenders. Those instincts could make the cerebral sophomore Kevin Prince’s emergency option whenever a play breaks down.

Embree does not shy away from contact, and routinely ran dangerous “across-the-middle” routes last season. He uses his big frame very well, and has tremendous hands that seem to catch everything, especially for first downs. Embree enters the season as one of the premier offensive threats for the Bruins.

Joining Embree as a starter will be senior Terrence Austin. Austin led the team in receptions as a junior with 53. He finished second on the team with 461 receiving yards and one touchdown. The 5-11 173 pound flanker is a multi-talented athlete that can hurt the opponent in a variety of ways. He set a school record last season with 1,878 all-purpose yards, which broke Maurice Jones-Drew’s mark of 1,863. Austin also became the first Bruin ever to eclipse 1,000 yards on kickoff returns (1,109).

Austin is very effective on reverses and trick plays, giving the ultra-creative Norm Chow a speedy playmaker to utilize in 2009. Last season, Austin had 13 carries for 90 yards (6.9 YPC). Teammates and coaches alike have praised the Long Beach Poly (CA) product for his leadership qualities, and he was voted as one of the team captains at the end of spring. Austin will be a key contributor for the Bruins in 2009.

One of the Bruins biggest targets is sophomore Nelson Rosario. The 6-5 214 pound receiver played in nine games last year, catching 11 passes for 169 yards. He has tremendous leaping ability, finishing third in the 2009 Pac-10 Championships for the long jump.

Rosario also has very soft hands, making him an ideal red-zone target. In his first game as a college wideout against Tennessee, Rosario made a clutch 14-yard grab that helped keep the Bruins game-winning drive alive. The Oceanside (CA) native will be Taylor Embree’s primary backup, and should be on the field a lot more than he was in 2008.

Senior Gavin Ketchum gives the Bruins another experienced receiver. At 6-5 210 pounds, he is an excellent blocker with good hands as well. Last season, he played in 11 games catching six passes for 61 yards. For his career, the Oak Park (CA) native has 27 receptions for 322 yards and two touchdowns. He will start the season as Terrence Austin’s main backup.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding true freshman Randall Carroll. The day Carroll enrolled at UCLA, he became one of the fastest players in the conference. The 5-11 184 pound speedster won back-to-back CIF state track titles in 2008 and 2009 for the 100 and 200 meters. He recorded the fastest 100 meter time in the state in 17 years with a lightning-quick 10.30 at the Del Rey League finals earlier this summer.

The Inglewood (CA) product also excelled on the football field while at Cathedral High School. Rivals.com gave him 4-stars and rated him the #4 athlete of the 2009 class. He was a U.S. Army All-American selection and SuperPrep All-American as well. As a senior at Cathedral, Carroll caught 31 passes for 564 yards and four touchdowns as well as running for 543 yards and two scores. He could be the Bruins x-factor on offense this season.

Tight Ends

Ryan Moya leaps to make the grab

Senior Ryan Moya will be a primary contributor at the tight end position this fall. The 6-3 247 pound Moya was second-team All-Pac-10 in 2008, and made an impressive recovery after missing all of the 2007 season. He finished last season with 38 catches for 364 yards and three touchdowns.

Moya is a versatile player that can catch and block equally well. As a result, the El Dorado Hills (CA) standout will spend a lot of time lining up at the H-Back position in Norm Chow’s offense. He has battled a few nagging injuries and was held out of spring drills, but should be healthy for the fall.

Moya will share time at tight end with senior Logan Paulsen. The 6-5 268 pound Paulsen was a Mackey Award candidate last season before missing basically the entire season with a foot injury. He is a tremendous blocker with great receiving skills as well, catching 42 passes for 526 yards and one touchdown in his career.

Paulsen is an exceptional leader and his teammates selected him as one of the squad’s team captains for 2009. The veteran from West Hills (CA) has started in 26 games, and will look to have a productive final year with the Bruins. If he can prove that he has recovered from the foot surgery, Paulsen will be an integral part of the offense this season.

The most exciting young player on the UCLA offense besides Carroll is true freshman Morrell Presley. The 6-4 222 pound tight end could be the Bruins’ best pass-catcher at the position since Mercedes Lewis. Scout.com gave him 5-stars while Rivals.com gave him 4-stars. Presley’s size allows him to be a physical blocker, but his real strength is as a receiver. He has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40, and could be used as a mismatch option this season.

Other receivers and tight ends that could see time are: freshmen Ricky Marvray and Jerry Johnson, and sophomores Antwon Moutra, Cory Harkey and Nate Chandler.

My Take

There are certainly plenty of receiving options for this UCLA coaching staff to choose from. In fact, on paper it looks like a very exciting unit that could make some noise this season. QB Kevin Craft and the offensive line were so dreadful last year that the receivers never really had a chance to shine. A repeat scenario is obviously possible, but if Prince has time to find some of these talented athletes, the Bruins may surprise the conference with their offense.

I think Embree has all-conference ability and should enjoy a very productive sophomore year. Austin is an exciting return man, and is a great receiving compliment to Embree with his ability to stretch the defense. The two veteran tight ends are also solid players and will help Prince a lot as blockers and receivers.

If you are a Bruin fan, start getting excited about Carroll and Presley. It looked like both freshmen were headed to USC for most of the recruiting process, but having them in Westwood is going to be huge for the next few years.

Even if the passing offense doesn’t click this season, there is a solid foundation to build around with young players like Embree, Rosario, Carroll, and Presley.