WRs: 2012 Frosh

[RDU Irish]

The future is now. IMO:

1) When is the last time we had two "warm up" games to start the season? That helps alleviate the inexperience problem (especially at QB) and get the young talent confident heading into the Michigan game.

2) I don't care if Goodman only has one catch a game for five yards as long as he is a vicious downfield blocker. I agree with NDdomer2 - WR blocking is a very big deal for what will likely be a run first offense. Apparently that bodes well for Fergie.

3) Brown downfield is too good not to take some shots (just look at Tate's first season). Go route isn't rocket science and if the kid can go up and get it you have to put him out there for half a dozen plays per game (again Tate was a monster adjusting to the ball and going after it).

4) If these kids add dimensions we are missing (and I suspect they do) I have a hard time imagining a lot of redshirting.

5) Toma's hands are like glue and he is sneaky quick. I love him as a #2 or #3 option on just about any play. I don't recall his blocking skills but he has plenty of heart to make up for build to be more than effective blocking DBs and bold enough to get in the way of LBs too.

6) Neal will see the field early and divert attention from Fergie and Brown allowing them to surprise.

7) A good run game will make the passing game better, also reducing pressure on young WRs. Easier to come in attacking than to be pressured with keeping a drive alive b/c we can't make positive yards on the ground.

I think we have all the tools to explode on offense this year. I say our over/under for points per game is 35. That is helped by a defense that will score this year and garbage time QBs/WRs running more than a clock killing offense.

 

[NDdomer2]

5) Toma's hands are like glue and he is sneaky quick. I love him as a #2 or #3 option on just about any play. I don't recall his blocking skills but he has plenty of heart to make up for build to be more than effective blocking DBs and bold enough to get in the way of LBs too.

Blocking at the WR position is about attitude, If you have the "want to" you will be a good blocker. Floyd had the "want to" the size and strength was just a major plus.

 

[irishpat183]

I'll say it right now. If Neal is back with GAIII for the first kick return in Dublin, I will be sporting a boner powered completely by my man-crush for speed.

I'll be too hammered to sport anything. LOL

 

[FLDomer]

I'll be too hammered to sport anything. LOL

And how!

 

[IrishLion]

By the time they are juniors, Brown, Ferguson and Neal will be the leaders of THE top receiving corps in the country. Why?

1. They are freak athletes/were projected as stars. Ferguson and Neal were highly rated by the services, expected to shine; Brown measures through the roof, even though he lacked the "stars."

2. They fit what Brian Kelly wants perfectly. Brown is the "burner," the downfield deep-threat with the speed to win down the sideline and the athleticism to go up and steal the ball on the go route. Ferguson is the "possession" receiver, physical with the ability to fight for jump balls and to be counted on in traffic and the red zone, specifically. And Neal is the obvious "slot" choice, smaller but with sure hands and elite athleticism to abuse the middle of the defense. He also will be the "star," asked to line up at any WR position at some point and simply make plays.

I compare it to the WR corps Kelly had at UC in 2009, when UC was 12-0 and had a top 5 offense: Mardy Gilyard was the burner, but also the star. Was a stud on the go route on the outside, but could line up anywhere and make a big play (including the backfield). Armon Binns was the possession receiver, the target of frequent jump balls (ala Mike Floyd during the Weis regime, almost), but also the no.1 option in the red zone. DJ Woods was the slot man, the small quick-twitch athlete that could abuse the seam and the middle of the field. Together, these three comprised a passing game that was nearly unstoppable (even when the QB play was just "average").

It's almost too exciting to think that Brown, Ferguson and Neal fit BK's past molds almost perfectly... except they are better athletes with more potential. We just need a damn QB to step up!

 

[TDHeysus]

I'll say it right now. If Neal is back with GAIII for the first kick return in Dublin, I will be sporting a boner powered completely by my man-crush for speed.

bbbbbooooiiiiinnnnngggggggg!!!!!!

 

[Irish YJ]

By the time they are juniors, Brown, Ferguson and Neal will be the leaders of THE top receiving corps in the country. Why?

1. They are freak athletes/were projected as stars. Ferguson and Neal were highly rated by the services, expected to shine; Brown measures through the roof, even though he lacked the "stars."

2. They fit what Brian Kelly wants perfectly. Brown is the "burner," the downfield deep-threat with the speed to win down the sideline and the athleticism to go up and steal the ball on the go route. Ferguson is the "possession" receiver, physical with the ability to fight for jump balls and to be counted on in traffic and the red zone, specifically. And Neal is the obvious "slot" choice, smaller but with sure hands and elite athleticism to abuse the middle of the defense. He also will be the "star," asked to line up at any WR position at some point and simply make plays.

I compare it to the WR corps Kelly had at UC in 2009, when UC was 12-0 and had a top 5 offense: Mardy Gilyard was the burner, but also the star. Was a stud on the go route on the outside, but could line up anywhere and make a big play (including the backfield). Armon Binns was the possession receiver, the target of frequent jump balls (ala Mike Floyd during the Weis regime, almost), but also the no.1 option in the red zone. DJ Woods was the slot man, the small quick-twitch athlete that could abuse the seam and the middle of the field. Together, these three comprised a passing game that was nearly unstoppable (even when the QB play was just "average").

It's almost too exciting to think that Brown, Ferguson and Neal fit BK's past molds almost perfectly... except they are better athletes with more potential. We just need a damn QB to step up!

Very nice comparison. Very rare do we pull in 3 that compliment each other so well. I think of Ferg as TO, Brown as Moss, and Neal as Stokely (couldn't think of anyone better, help).

 

[Irish YJ]

Question: Can you talk a little bit about the freshman wide receivers that have caught your eye?
Brian Kelly: We’ve thrown a lot at them. We’ve got what we feel are three talented young men in (Justin) Ferguson, Davonte Neal and Chris Brown. We’re getting them reps. They’re in there. I think they all have a chance to contribute as true freshmen. It’s kinda early to really say for sure but we’re not afraid to put them out there and they’re certainly not afraid to play. I think when you really look at the young guys that compete, those are the guys that really have confidence in their ability to go out there. All three of them are very confident in themselves. We’re gonna keep putting them out there with the first group and keep them in our rotation

Oh I like.......

 

[Irish YJ]

Young Receivers Impressing…Old Improving?

Three freshman receivers, Chris Brown, Justin Ferguson and Davonte’ Neal each received a good deal of reps with the first group at Wednesday’s practice.

“They’re in there,” Kelly said of the trio. “I think they all have a chance to contribute as true freshmen. It’s kind of early to really say for sure, but we’re not afraid to put ‘em out there and they’re certainly not afraid to play.”

The 6’2 Brown lined-up exclusively as a flanker, while 6’2 Ferguson and 5’9 Neal saw action at both flanker and in the slot.

“Those are the guys that really have confidence in their ability to go out there,” Kelly continued. “All three of them are really confident in themselves, so we’re gonna keep putting them out there with the first group.”

The potential emergence of those three freshmen puts pressure on guys like junior Daniel Smith to make a quick impression. The South Bend Clay High School product has battled injury and seen limited playing time in his first two years with the team.

“For Daniel, it’s just being out there,” Kelly said of the junior. “He’s a big rangy kid. Again, another guy that really wants to do well, and he is committed to getting better. He is another guy in 2012 that we need to play for us.”

Players like Smith and T.J. Jones had limited chances for touches anyway while they were teammates with Michael Floyd, but the entire unit has more chances to shine now.

“From that standpoint they’re excited because they know they’re going to have more opportunities,” Kelly said of Floyd being gone. ”On the other side, they have to raise their level of game because Michael has set a high standard for the wide receiver position.”

“There is a high standard for the receiver play. Now it’s them. Now those guys have to reach that kind of level. The good part is, it allows a number of guys to be energized, you know, getting the ball in their hands. On the negative part, you lose Michael Floyd.”

A little more

 

[Fbolt]

Very nice-I like the complementing each other comments and the comparison to UC. Getting excited for this year!

 

[Irish YJ]

Starting to really think Brown will get a lot of early PT. We are without a fast/deep threat, and he is it. Perfect speed for the straight-up-go and has the ability to jump like a mother to go up and get the ball.

With Eifert drawing attention and a match up nightmare, Neal as a shifty slot that no one can catch, Brown could be a crazy deep threat. Starting to feel like the Floyd/Tate/Rudolph days.

I know it's entirely too early, but a boy can dream.....I hope I hope I hope.

 

[PANDFAN]

Starting to really think Brown will get a lot of early PT. We are without a fast/deep threat, and he is it. Perfect speed for the straight-up-go and has the ability to jump like a mother to go up and get the ball.

With Eifert drawing attention and a match up nightmare, Neal as a shifty slot that no one can catch, Brown could be a crazy deep threat. Starting to feel like the Floyd/Tate/Rudolph days.

I know it's entirely too early, but a boy can dream.....I hope I hope I hope.

i'm w/ ya on this....i figured DD would be making more noise but i haven't heard jack about him this fall...hoping he comes on like Tate did at Purdue..go route!

 

[Irish YJ]

I think DD is solid, but I see him as more comp to Ferg. I see Brown primarily as the "go" guy in certain packages. Easily done with a frosh as there's not much to "hey, run really straight, and really fast, and we're going to chuck it to you in the end zone. So hey, jump really high and catch it". I see DD being the guy who will run out, make a cut or two, then catch the ball. Same with Ferg. Brown will blossom into that, but his current skill set makes it easier to push him in the mix earlier. Just my opinion, but it sounds good

 

[NDinFL]

Chris Brown and Davonte are my two favorite receivers on the team.

Speed, speed, speed

 

[NDhoosier]

I think the staff is purposely being quiet about DD. We will see though, DD has all the tools to be a very good WR. People are excited about the new faces in camp, so its only natural for people to jump on all the freshmen. Supposedly there is a pretty intense battle for the CAT position between Prince and Ishaq, but we havent really heard much about it because everyone is focusing on the QBs and the freshmen. Dont always take no comments as a bad thing.

 

[NDdomer2]

No news = good news

I think BK and the staff have high expectations for DD and if he wasn't meeting them I think they would make it known, he had no problem publicly saying what DD needed to work on last year at this time.

 

[IrishFBfanatic]

I think this is appropriate for this thread. These '12 wide outs are a special group

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

I hope if Kelly decides to play any number of this trio that he goes all out with it.

RS or impacting presence in the offense and special teams.

 

[mriguy]

Maybe one of these Offensive threats will turn into a game changer like a Sammy Watkins or a Marquise Lee did their freshman year.. I am very excited about Brown and Oneal and what they can bring to the offense.

 

[Irishbounty28]

I'm very excited about oneal as well!

 

[irishfanjho15]

I think the staff is purposely being quiet about DD. We will see though, DD has all the tools to be a very good WR. People are excited about the new faces in camp, so its only natural for people to jump on all the freshmen. Supposedly there is a pretty intense battle for the CAT position between Prince and Ishaq, but we havent really heard much about it because everyone is focusing on the QBs and the freshmen. Dont always take no comments as a bad thing.

If this is true, it excites me as much as anything out of camp this year.

 

[PraetorianND]

If this is true, it excites me as much as anything out of camp this year.

I am very excited about our receiver situation this year. Last year so many drives died because of the Floyd lock on. While it is nice to have a go to guy, having burners all over the place will be even better IMO. I think it will also help if our QB can buy some time with his feet. I can't see anyone covering Neal, DD, or Brown for more than a few seconds.

 

[Irish YJ]

Maybe one of these Offensive threats will turn into a game changer like a Sammy Watkins or a Marquise Lee did their freshman year.. I am very excited about Brown and Oneal and what they can bring to the offense.

I honestly think any of the three have POTENTIAL to be game changers. Neal, crazy fast, and crazy shifty. Ferg has a CFB ready body and very physical. Brown, crazy fast, and jumps crazy high. Performance on the field will tell the tale, but I'm super excited about this group regardless of stars or lack there of.

What I hope happens, is these 3 bring in some excitement and competition internal to the team. Only makes everyone better. I think DD and TJ step up because of it, and Toma will be his normal scrappy self giving 200% on every play. Goodman, I still have mixed emotions on, but even if he benefits just from the fact all the attention is on Eifert and the other guys, he could have a great year too.

Come on Navy. I want to see BK play with his shiney new toys!!

 

[ryno 24]

I think they are all very talented and adds to BKs idea of having six wrs that can and will play. He has tj toma goodman dd, ferg, Brown and neal. He has a lot to choose from.

 

[Irish YJ]

Don't forget Masa

 

[Irish YJ]

0:52 — That’s freshman wideout Chris Brown (2) running away from Cam McDaniel (33) on the underneath route. He looks mighty skinny, but those rumors of Brown’s elite speed don’t appear to be recruiting propaganda.

1:20 — Freshman Justin Ferguson (15) beats corner Jalen Brown (21) with a nifty catch… caught on camera from both angles.

1:33 — That’s talented freshman Davonte Neal (19) making the catch from Gunner Kiel on the speed out. I’m very excited to see what the lightning-bug freshman can do this season.

2:14 — Chris Brown gets plenty of good blocking as he breaks loose on a quick screen pass.

From NBC... Nice reps for the young guys. So excited....

 

[Irish YJ]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oae_2b9zWYA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The vid to go along with above

 

[Irish YJ]

While Brian Kelly has praised the work of the freshman wide receivers Davonte' Neal, Chris Brown and Justin Ferguson, Kiel has also noticed their potential. The quarterback knows those three guys could be his favorite targets in the seasons to come.

"It's amazing. Davonte' and Breezy (Brown) and Fergie, they're good players and they're willing to get after it," Kiel said. "It's great to have them there. Before camp they were always saying, 'Hey, let's go throw. Let's get in the playbook.' So I loved that they were already wanting to get into that good stuff."

One week into fall camp, the really good stuff is yet to come for Kiel and the freshman WR trio.

Funny that a good deal of the verbal positives that consistently come out of practice is about these 3! NICE

 

[NDhoosier]

well, Goodman, DaVaris, Toma, and Jones arent getting the same amount of reps because the coaches are purposely giving the freshmen more reps to see how they hold up and whether they should be used this year or not.

 

[Irish YJ]

Yes of course to an extent. My point is BK sees enough to keep giving them meaningful reps. They've all passed the eye test and round 1. And I can't imaging BK keeping them out there this much, or at least too much longer in leiu of preparing the other guys for the season. If they continue on this path, we will see them Navy time, and moving up the depth charts this year.

And seeing this much positive buzz from the reporters and services is not typical. Just saying.