Other Wide outs

[WeAreND15]

With Golden Tate gone who do you think will be the top 4 wide outs? Obviously Floyd..
John Goodman? Shaq Evans? Give me your thoughts.

 

[GreatGolson]

TJ Jones will make a HUGE impact as a freshman, Shaq should have a great year, theo riddick (now at WR) has explosive speed and will probably handle KR and PR, honestly, under kelly's offense, any wide receiver could break out.

 

[WeAreND15]

TJ Jones will make a HUGE impact as a freshman, Shaq should have a great year, theo riddick (now at WR) has explosive speed and will probably handle KR and PR, honestly, under kelly's offense, any wide receiver could break out.

I totally agree.. im really excited for TJ Jones

 

[Riddickulous]

In terms of production, the totals are fairly balanced in the Kelly offense, with many players getting significant touches.

2009:

Mardy Gilyard: 87 catches, 1191 yards, 11 TDs
Armon Binns: 61 catches, 881 yards, 11 TDs
DJ Woods: 51 catches, 640 yards, 4 TDs
Ben Guidugli: 27 catches, 364 yards, 3 TDs

There's three players with over 50 catches. Under Weis, there were two different years in which two receivers had at least 50: 2005 (Samardzija with 77, Stovall with 69) and 2006 (Samardzija with 74, McKnight with 62).

Based on who I think will start/get the most PT, predictions of stats:

Michael Floyd: Will have somewhere around 800-900 yards with around 10 TDs. The dynamic superstar that will draw much of the defense's attention. Facing double coverage in an offense that spreads the ball around often, Floyd will not put up the incredible statistical year some expect.

Duval Kamara: Productive year. Perhaps 500 yards or so with maybe 5 TDs. Reliable, tall possession target for Crist, most often used in the red zone. With a little luck, could get himself drafted in the late rounds.

Tai-ler "TJ" Jones: Maybe 500 yards. If he's the great freshman player we've been led to believe, perhaps he ends up in the 750 range. A couple of touchdowns.

Shaq Evans: The fast guy who will take the short crossing route for six in a hurry. 300-400 yards, a few touchdowns.

Kyle Rudolph: Huge year for Kyle, Dayne's favorite target. 500 yards, 7 TDs.

Theo Riddick: Will do more damage on returns than in the passing game. 200-300 yards. If improved quickly, maybe more.

These six will see the bulk of the touches, IMO. Guys like Goodman, Walker, Toma, and Gallup will see some time, maybe a few posting over a hundred yards this year.

I think Crist will finish with something around 3000 yards, 30 TDs, and 8-10 INTs. We won't be seeing two 1,000 yard guys like in previous seasons. Not yet, at least.

Of course, these are only predictions. In all likelihood, maybe two or three guys will be the clear leaders (those likely being Floyd, Rudolph, Jones) with the rest of the guys sharing time. Who knows?

Ragone will get his shot to shine in 2011 if Kyle Rudolph goes pro.

 

[mokpra37]

Floyd, Kamara, Evans, Rudolph, Riddick and Jones are the most athletic of the receivers and they will get the most touches. However, I would also like to see Ragone get 15-20 catches this year. I think the threat of "the other tight end" will open up other guys in a two tight end set. I also think Goodman will get some touches. He has good hands and is fast. I would think 15-20 touches for him as well with some coming on reverse hand-offs or wildcat formations.

I think we are also going to see some really creative hand-off / dump pass type plays for Riddick, Goodman and the RBs.

 

[Old Man Mike]

My view, which is worth less than a cup of coffee, is to trust the coach. Outside of Floyd, whom I think will have an even bigger year than most predict [because Kelly's going to "play games" with defenses with his positioning], Kelly obviously was wowed by TJ or he wouldn't have put him right in there above talented people. Also, Kelly apparently trusts Kumara to be very productive---there were a lot of choices but Kumara's apparently solidly there. And, he has to see something more than just promising in Riddick, or he wouldn't have moved him into contention, even with the need to get Cierre Wood in the backfield. Since the current post asks to pick four [thank goodness it wasn't "pick six", an inappropriate pun indeed for an offensive passing discussion], I am forced to plead bone-ignorance and toss out my preference for a dependable possession receiver, whom I believe Goodman is.

 

[BornNDfan81]

Anyone else not have that warm and fuzzy feeling about the WR recruitment this year? Are our best chances K. Williams and D Daniels then the interests fall off from there? With the idea of Floyd and Rudolph leaving early makes me worry if we don't get 2 solid WR's this year.

 

[johnnykillz]

We have quite a few underclassman in the receiver position and next year we'll be able to replenish the well once recruits actually see the Notre Dame offense.

DaVaris and Kasen would be great to have this year too though. I think we have a legit shot.

 

[Rocket89]

To start the season:

1. Floyd
2. Kamara
3. Jones
4. Riddick/Evans

My first thought is that Shaq Evans will eventually replace Kamara as the No. 2 receiver on the outside. I think Kamara will end up with more playing time and be used as a blocker quite often, but I believe Evans will get more receptions and yards on the outside.

Jones, Riddick and Toma (don't forget the little guy!) are going to wreak havoc in the slot. I wouldn't imagine Riddick will get a ton of catches, but he'll see the plenty of opportunities on reverses and kick/punt returns. If I had to guess, I think Jones ends up with close to 50 receptions. He'll challenge some of Floyd's freshman records.

I think we'll also see Deion Walker fill a role as a backup to either Floyd or Kamara and end up impressing a lot of people.

ShaqEvansIsGod:

Only 500 yards for Rudolph?

I've got to think he'll be pulling in more than 40 yards a game. I think he's breaking single season school records this year and will creep towards 1,000 yards if he stays healthy.

Ragone was my breakout player of the year, and since it doesn't look like he'll miss time, he still is. Our tight ends are going to dominate. I think Ragone hauls in at least 25 balls, roughly two a game.

 

[BornNDfan81]

I see the depth at WR for this year. But who exactly would take Floyd's spot if he leaves? Shaq, Riddick, Walker, Goodman, TJ and Toma have zero big game stats in their pocket right now. It's all just expecting a lot of potential and assuming they will step in and become 800 yd, 8td WR's. Kamara had a great year early and hasn't lived up to the potential since and that could happen with any of these unproven WR's that you think big numbers are a given. I just think they really, really, really need to land at least 2 solid WR's with this class especially with the new pass happy offense that Kelly installed. I hope they get Daniel Smith (if they don't use him at Safety) in the mix as the year progresses to get him some experience while we still have Floyd.

 

[BornNDfan81]

If we land 0 wr's then this means......

2009...Riddick, Toma and Shaq
2010 TJ, Daniel Smith, Jackson
2011 ???????

If they move Daniel Smith to safety then how can these classes of WR's make you feel like our depth is not a concern after this year?

 

[IrishGiant]

Not sure how well they will do, but Riddick and Jones intrigue me. Curious to see how they fare this year.

 

[Junkhead]

I keep wondering what happened to Deion Walker.

 

[BGIF]

If we land 0 wr's then this means......

2009...Riddick, Toma and Shaq
2010 TJ, Daniel Smith, Bennett Jackson
2011 ???????

If they move Daniel Smith to safety then how can these classes of WR's make you feel like our depth is not a concern after this year?

Cause Kelly went undefeated with receivers you never heard of.

 

[IrishLax]

I love the similarities between Theo and Mardy Gilyard. I really think when all is said and done we will see TJ and Floyd on the outside with Theo in the slot OR Floyd in the slot with TJ, Shaq, Theo, Goodman all getting reps on the outside. You better believe Kelly will run a ton of WRs out there and tire out those DBs.

I do not see Kamara playing a big role unless he has corrected a lot of his bad habits under the new coaches. If he has, then he will DEFINITELY be in the mix.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I keep wondering what happened to Deion Walker.

I keep wondering the same thing...The kid was a big time prospect out of high school and he is super quick. I hope with a new staff we see him on the field more.

 

[Rocket89]

I believe this is the most wide receivers the school has ever had on scholarship. Depth doesn't really concern me at this point.

It's developing that depth that is a primary concern right now, and I trust Kelly with that.

 

[Irish To The Core]

The team has an awesome arsenal at WR! After Floyd, #2 could be just about anybody. Like many of you I have waited for Deion Walker to break out, he has all the tools. I am hoping the coaching change brings a new perspective regarding Deion and he sees the field far more. Shaq has real potential...Theo is a game changer...Robby Toma looked great with limited opportunities last season...Goodman could be a reincarnation of "Shark"...Kumara will be given an opportunity to play to his potential...T.J. is amazingly polished for a freshman...I hear great things about Bennett...Smith will have time to develop in this offense. Wow! The future's so bright I have to wear welder's goggles!

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

We are loaded at WR/TE....if Defence's key-on Floyd- Rudolf will burn them-- or Shaq or Goodman-- then second string come in- Riddick, TJ, Walker, Ragone. Ok - daminit getting way to pumped up for the season! Going to be a loooooong month ...

 

[Riddickulous]

I keep wondering the same thing...The kid was a big time prospect out of high school and he is super quick. I hope with a new staff we see him on the field more.

I remember watching a practice video in 2008 and seeing how utterly outclassed Walker was by the other players. He was easily one of the worst receivers in the couple of drills I watched.

But remember, the Weis offense calls for two receivers. The other nine hundred in the stockpile sit on the bench and wait for their turn.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I remember watching a practice video in 2008 and seeing how utterly outclassed Walker was by the other players. He was easily one of the worst receivers in the couple of drills I watched.

But remember, the Weis offense calls for two receivers. The other nine hundred in the stockpile sit on the bench and wait for their turn.

You bring up a great point about how Weis used two (maybe three) receivers and the rest of the bunch just sat on the bench!

I saw a couple of videos of 2009 fall practice where Walker showed off his athleticism. One play he took a hitch pass completely juked the DB out of his shoes and bolted down the sideline.

I hope that Walker is now able to put it all together and get on the field.

Wasn't he also supposed to be a big time kick returner coming out of high school?

 

[irish4ever]

I think that Goodman is going to be more involved than most give him credit for. He has the speed/talent, plus he adds that extra dimension of being able to pass (a little razzle dazzle).

 

[rocket31]

i see it this way.

1st tier:
1. floyd
2. kumara
3. shaq (by all reports, is absolutely killing it in 7on7s this summer)
4. theo (remember he was recovering from a shoulder injury in the spring)

2nd tier
1. walker
2. goodman
3. tj jones
4. bennett jackson/daniel smith (the other gets red shirted)

3rd tier
1. toma (talented, but not as naturally gifted as any of the guys above him)

 

[BornNDfan81]

Bennet Jackson - My fault!!!! I got him mixed up with Spencer Boyd. My Sincere apologies.

 

[Riddickulous]

i see it this way.

1st tier:
1. floyd
2. kumara
3. shaq (by all reports, is absolutely killing it in 7on7s this summer)
4. theo (remember he was recovering from a shoulder injury in the spring)

2nd tier
1. walker
2. goodman
3. tj jones
4. bennett jackson/daniel smith (the other gets red shirted)

3rd tier
1. toma (talented, but not as naturally gifted as any of the guys above him)

Neither Jackson nor Smith will see the field unless they're phenoms. Those are two wasted years of eligibility right there. With so many receivers above them, there wouldn't be a concern if one (higher up/more experienced wideout) went down, as the team is incredibly deep at the position.

Toma in the lowest tier? No. The kid's a great route runner with great hands. No way he's the worst receiver on the team.

I see it more like this:

Third tier

1. Gallup - The kid can never get a break.
2. Jackson and Smith

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Floyd, Goodman, and Jones will all have amazing seasons.

 

[Irish Man3]

I think with the size on the outside with Floyd and Kamara, its gonna free up those burners on the inside. We have speed and height all over the place. Rudolph is about as sure handed as it gets at tight end. We have Armando Allen in the back field on swing and screen passes. I look for a lot of 5 yard slants with Shaq and Theo and Jones up the middle causing defenses to single cover Floyd. Good Luck with that!

 

[irishandy]

My top 4 wide outs:
1) Michael Floyd- he will have over a thousand yards and could have double digits in touchdowns. The key w/ Floyd is that he has to stay healthy this year. Defenses will key on Floyd and open up other receivers.
2) Shaq Evans- by everything that I have read he is having a great summer. I hope Kelly lets Shaq go and show what he's capable of.
3) TJ Jones- he has the potential to have a freshman season like Floyd did.
4) Theo Riddick- he was really impressive last year, I don't see him getting many balls thrown to him, but I see him being explosive when he does get the ball.

The forgotten:
1) Duval Kumara- to me his only good season was his freshman year, but being up against Tate & Floyd is quite the competition.
2) Deion Walker- he is as tall as Floyd and he has the potential to be a threat in the end zone w/ his height. My only memory of him was catching a pass or 2 at a Blue & Gold game, wish he could get more playing time.
3) John Goodman- I see him being a Robby Parris type of player.

 

[IrishGiant]

My top 4 wide outs:
1) Michael Floyd- he will have over a thousand yards and could have double digits in touchdowns. The key w/ Floyd is that he has to stay healthy this year. Defenses will key on Floyd and open up other receivers.
2) Shaq Evans- by everything that I have read he is having a great summer. I hope Kelly lets Shaq go and show what he's capable of.
3) TJ Jones- he has the potential to have a freshman season like Floyd did.
4) Theo Riddick- he was really impressive last year, I don't see him getting many balls thrown to him, but I see him being explosive when he does get the ball.

The forgotten:
1) Duval Kumara- to me his only good season was his freshman year, but being up against Tate & Floyd is quite the competition.
2) Deion Walker- he is as tall as Floyd and he has the potential to be a threat in the end zone w/ his height. My only memory of him was catching a pass or 2 at a Blue & Gold game, wish he could get more playing time.
3) John Goodman- I see him being a Robby Parris type of player.

Totally agree with your top 4. I think Tai-ler Jones is a top talent. I don't know if it will translate into immediate success, but I think he is the heir apparent to Floyd.

 

[rocket31]

Neither Jackson nor Smith will see the field unless they're phenoms. Those are two wasted years of eligibility right there. With so many receivers above them, there wouldn't be a concern if one (higher up/more experienced wideout) went down, as the team is incredibly deep at the position.

Toma in the lowest tier? No. The kid's a great route runner with great hands. No way he's the worst receiver on the team.

I see it more like this:

Third tier

1. Gallup - The kid can never get a break.
2. Jackson and Smith

-i overlooked gallup at WR, but yeah he would be the lowest one on the team.

-jackson is stronger, faster, quicker, and four inches taller than toma...so obviously the potential is there to pass him on the depth chart. the biggest obstacle facing BJ is learning the offense, if he catches on the same way TJ did, then i believe he at least passes toma.

-BJ might be the fastest player on the team. he was severely underrated by the recruiting experts last year, rivals even admitted this a few months ago. essentially, BJ is a 3star prospect playing in a 4stars body, who also happens to be one of the fastest high school athletes in the country last season.

-no one expected TJ jones to break the first team depth chart as a true freshmen during spring workouts and he did. in other words, if BJ is good enough, he will play, despite the "eligibility" concerns.

-i am not saying BJ is better than TJ today, however, the potential is there for BJ to be. if his route running and hands are on par with some of the other guys, than he might be the next freshmen to get some playing time.

-i do agree that ideally you prefer to sit both BJ and daniel smith this year, but IF they are good enough...they will play. (TJ jones proved that in the spring)

-coach kellys comments about elite speed, also insinuate that some of the current guys are lacking quickness on the edge. granted, i do not know how genuine BK is in his remarks, however, if he is sincere this also bodes well for a guy like bennett jackson to get some playing time this fall.