In this installment of the state’s best position groups by the Dallas Morning News bloggers, they rank the wide receivers. We will track these rankings and give you our thoughts on Tech’s ranking in each group. We might throw in a few other thoughts that are non-Tech related.
Here are their rankings:
1) Baylor
2)Texas A&M;
3) TCU
4) TEXAS TECH
5) Texas
6) Houston
7) North Texas
8) SMU
9) Texas State
10) Rice
11) UTEP
12) UTSA
Here’s what DMN blogger Tommy Magelssen had to say about Tech’s WR position:
The Red Raiders return five of their six most productive wide receivers from a a year ago, including speedy senior Jakeem Grant (67 catches for 958 yards in 2014), but are still waiting for someone to emerge on the outside. Devin Lauderdale had a nose for the end zone late last year, and Dylan Cantrell seems to be a jump-ball specialist, but a true No. 1 target hasn't laid claim to the spot. Reginald Davis still hasn't emerged into the target coaches had hoped for, ending last season with a lull, and an offseason arrest hasn't yet been publicly sorted out. Six WR signees in this year's class, though, means there will be plenty of competition. Former Argyle star Ian Sadler figures to see an improved workload this year in the slot, as the makings of one of the Big 12's top receiving corps are there — it's just a matter of production.
Tech Thoughts:
I had tweeted out I thought the Red Raiders should be #4 on the list earlier this week, but thought we would be ranked #6. They got it right in my eyes. Hard to argue with the teams ranked above us. I also agree with Tommy that we need a go-to guy. Grant, Lauderdale and Cantrell are solid complimentary receivers, but we need a Jace Amaro or Michael Crabtree type. They are the type of guy that when we need a play will make a play. Those guys aren’t easy to find and a lot of teams don’t have them but they take a guy like Graham Harrell from being a really good college quarterback to a Heisman campaign type of quarterback. Last year Kingsbury tried to force Grant into this role, but he just doesn’t fit the mold of a go-to guy. He has the speed and quickness, but not the size or strength. I do think we could have one with six freshman receivers set to arrive this fall. JF Thomas and Tony Brown would be the two most likely candidates in my eyes. I just don’t think they will make that type of impact this year. I think they are at least one year away.
Miscellaneous Thoughts:
1) Baylor is #1 on the list just like they were with running backs. Again, not a surprise. KD Cannon is a first team Big 12 type of guy. I think he will put up some huge numbers this season. I do wonder what they have behind Cannon and Coleman but odds are it won’t matter. That offense will still find ways rack up the yards and touchdowns.
2) I think we look back at A&M; as having the best receiving core in the state by the end of the season. Speedy Noil, Ricky Seals-Jones and Christian Kirk will be a handful for any secondary in the nation.
3) So far we have ranked ahead of UT in all 3 categories (QB, RB, WR) and will be probably end up ahead of them on the offensive line rankings. Defensively I predict they rank ahead of us in all categories. Based on rankings that means it should be a good matchup, yet I feel we have no chance of beating them this year. They almost always find a way to beat us no matter how good or bad of a season they are having. I hope I am wrong.
4) UTEP, UTEP, UTEP…..how was the game that close last year? I am predicting a 28-point win this season.
The next DMN position group ranking will be offensive line released on Monday. I will predict Tech at #2 behind only Baylor.
