Happy 4th of July everyone!
I was falling behind on weekly discussion points so I’m doubling up for the next few weeks. Let’s take a look at one of the stronger spots on the Grizzlies roster, wide receivers. I think of this current group we've got 5 to 6 players that would be options for frequent playing time on most FCS rosters. And while some of the backups aren't starter material, they're going to play a solid role for this team and will make the passing game more dangerous.
Starter Ellis Henderson – Already named as one of the best special teams players and on a national WR watch list Henderson enters just his junior season and should hopefully be in a position to continue to punish and frustrate opposing teams. A dangerous and speedy returner he’s also our best WR. Rumors on this board have swirled suggesting some off-season academic work is needed and there’s some illness he’s overcoming too… hopefully all is in order come the start of the season. It’s been pointed out that Henderson had 3 game-winning scores over the span of 4 games last year. His role in this offense is huge as a big-time playmaker.
Starter Jamaal Jones – It took Jones some time to adjust but he really came on as the season progressed. There were concerns with his drops early on but he made up for that with some impressive 1-handed catches and better consistency as the season went on. With another year here and with JJ throwing him the ball Jones could benefit from having his counter-part, Ellis Henderson, pulling the better corners in many games. Needs to keep improving on catching and hopefully he starts 2014 off strong and can put together a full strong season.
Starter – slot Chase Naccarato – Stepping up to fill in for the graduation of Cam Warren we’ve seen flashes of what a dangerous slot WR that Chase can be. If prior years give hint to what we’ll see this year JJ really likes to target his slot WRs in the red zone and on 3rd down. It’s Chase’s time to shine and this spring he looked ready to step it up. He’s got great speed but can get overwhelmed when blocking for running backs and downfield. I’m hoping he’s going to be a more durable slot WR than Warren was who unfortunately kept getting dinged up each season and what ended with I believe some sort of ACL or MCL tear last year.
2nd string Taylor Walcott – Assuming he’s fully healthy he could be the first guy on the field as a backup/rotation for Henderson or Jones. Walcott has a lot of potential but that was stopped with an early injury last season. He’s now back on the field and ready to go. A healthy and effective Taylor Walcott will really help out with this offense.
2nd string Sean Haynes – Haynes, now a senior, should find himself in a position to get more reps this year. Last year we saw the offense rotate players a bunch. Last year he put some of the issues he had earlier with drops behind him with a strong spring camp, but then some nagging injuries de-railed him. He backed up all last season but as I recall was dealing with injuries as well. He’s tall and fast, just what you want on the outside. While I can’t speak to it I’ve heard criticisms previously of mental toughness and mess-ups knowing the play calls. He missed this spring as he was recovering from a surgery, hopefully he’s full speed come fall camp.
2nd string Kevin Berland – One of the more interesting positions to watch this fall camp will be the backup slot WR. Berland appears to have the inside track due to his experience and his stronger showings in camps. Berland is a walk-on senior though and sometimes we see these guys get passed over so the staff can develop further depth. He’s had a few strong camps in a row, but will it equate to playing time?
2nd string Marq Rogers – I’m also listing Rogers as a 2nd stringer because I think he’s going to push both Walcott and Haynes for some playing time this year. Excitement was buzzing around him possibly not red shirting after a solid fall camp, well he did, and he continued to show improvement in the spring. In talking with another player who was out this spring he told me Rogers could “become great” but he needs to get bigger. The guy still looked to be a little light (the roster shows him 6-4, 181). Some added muscle would help. Rogers has very good hands and was showing off some bold confidence in his play this spring.
Depth Ryan Burke – Burke started to show his potential this spring with some tremendous catches in the endzone and along the sidelines. He uses his size to jump over smaller corners but doesn’t possess that break-away speed to get away from many. Burke’s opportunities for more significant play will start in 2015 is my guess.
Depth Austin Carver – Much like Burke I think Carver’s going to see some opportunities more in 2015. He could turn into a good slot WR like his brother although this spring he was competing to be one of the “X” WRs. He had a week where he was looking great but then receeded a bit and was dropping some passes and getting a little gun-shy when trying to catch in close quarters.
Depth Nico Graham – due to injuries Graham saw an expanded role at WR on the field with the 2s. Very good speed and ability to position himself well for a catch. Needs continued experience and work with the playbook and QBs. That’ll come in time.
Depth Tra Ludeman – missed spring camp due to an injury according to GoGriz.com
Depth Joshua Janssen – Much like Graham Janssen saw some good opportunities to play with the 2nd string more due to other players injuries. Also much like Graham more time in the system and getting on page with the younger QBs will help big time.
I was falling behind on weekly discussion points so I’m doubling up for the next few weeks. Let’s take a look at one of the stronger spots on the Grizzlies roster, wide receivers. I think of this current group we've got 5 to 6 players that would be options for frequent playing time on most FCS rosters. And while some of the backups aren't starter material, they're going to play a solid role for this team and will make the passing game more dangerous.
Starter Ellis Henderson – Already named as one of the best special teams players and on a national WR watch list Henderson enters just his junior season and should hopefully be in a position to continue to punish and frustrate opposing teams. A dangerous and speedy returner he’s also our best WR. Rumors on this board have swirled suggesting some off-season academic work is needed and there’s some illness he’s overcoming too… hopefully all is in order come the start of the season. It’s been pointed out that Henderson had 3 game-winning scores over the span of 4 games last year. His role in this offense is huge as a big-time playmaker.
Starter Jamaal Jones – It took Jones some time to adjust but he really came on as the season progressed. There were concerns with his drops early on but he made up for that with some impressive 1-handed catches and better consistency as the season went on. With another year here and with JJ throwing him the ball Jones could benefit from having his counter-part, Ellis Henderson, pulling the better corners in many games. Needs to keep improving on catching and hopefully he starts 2014 off strong and can put together a full strong season.
Starter – slot Chase Naccarato – Stepping up to fill in for the graduation of Cam Warren we’ve seen flashes of what a dangerous slot WR that Chase can be. If prior years give hint to what we’ll see this year JJ really likes to target his slot WRs in the red zone and on 3rd down. It’s Chase’s time to shine and this spring he looked ready to step it up. He’s got great speed but can get overwhelmed when blocking for running backs and downfield. I’m hoping he’s going to be a more durable slot WR than Warren was who unfortunately kept getting dinged up each season and what ended with I believe some sort of ACL or MCL tear last year.
2nd string Taylor Walcott – Assuming he’s fully healthy he could be the first guy on the field as a backup/rotation for Henderson or Jones. Walcott has a lot of potential but that was stopped with an early injury last season. He’s now back on the field and ready to go. A healthy and effective Taylor Walcott will really help out with this offense.
2nd string Sean Haynes – Haynes, now a senior, should find himself in a position to get more reps this year. Last year we saw the offense rotate players a bunch. Last year he put some of the issues he had earlier with drops behind him with a strong spring camp, but then some nagging injuries de-railed him. He backed up all last season but as I recall was dealing with injuries as well. He’s tall and fast, just what you want on the outside. While I can’t speak to it I’ve heard criticisms previously of mental toughness and mess-ups knowing the play calls. He missed this spring as he was recovering from a surgery, hopefully he’s full speed come fall camp.
2nd string Kevin Berland – One of the more interesting positions to watch this fall camp will be the backup slot WR. Berland appears to have the inside track due to his experience and his stronger showings in camps. Berland is a walk-on senior though and sometimes we see these guys get passed over so the staff can develop further depth. He’s had a few strong camps in a row, but will it equate to playing time?
2nd string Marq Rogers – I’m also listing Rogers as a 2nd stringer because I think he’s going to push both Walcott and Haynes for some playing time this year. Excitement was buzzing around him possibly not red shirting after a solid fall camp, well he did, and he continued to show improvement in the spring. In talking with another player who was out this spring he told me Rogers could “become great” but he needs to get bigger. The guy still looked to be a little light (the roster shows him 6-4, 181). Some added muscle would help. Rogers has very good hands and was showing off some bold confidence in his play this spring.
Depth Ryan Burke – Burke started to show his potential this spring with some tremendous catches in the endzone and along the sidelines. He uses his size to jump over smaller corners but doesn’t possess that break-away speed to get away from many. Burke’s opportunities for more significant play will start in 2015 is my guess.
Depth Austin Carver – Much like Burke I think Carver’s going to see some opportunities more in 2015. He could turn into a good slot WR like his brother although this spring he was competing to be one of the “X” WRs. He had a week where he was looking great but then receeded a bit and was dropping some passes and getting a little gun-shy when trying to catch in close quarters.
Depth Nico Graham – due to injuries Graham saw an expanded role at WR on the field with the 2s. Very good speed and ability to position himself well for a catch. Needs continued experience and work with the playbook and QBs. That’ll come in time.
Depth Tra Ludeman – missed spring camp due to an injury according to GoGriz.com
Depth Joshua Janssen – Much like Graham Janssen saw some good opportunities to play with the 2nd string more due to other players injuries. Also much like Graham more time in the system and getting on page with the younger QBs will help big time.
