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Thursday, August 2, 2007
Ranking the ACC’s best wide receivers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson has gone to the NFL and we probably won’t see another like him for a while. But there are still some very, very good receivers returning in the ACC this fall. Here is just one man’s top five:
Greg Carr, Jr., Florida State: Carr caught 34 passes as a sophomore but had 12 touchdowns because, at 6-5, he was able to out-jump DBs in the end zone. But there is a problem. New offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher demands two things of his receivers: 1) They must be able to run very precise routes and 2) they must block downfield. Carr, for all his talent, needs to improve in both areas. But physically, he’s among the very best in this league.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Soph. Maryland: Heyward-Bey’s 45 catches for 694 yards was the third best season ever by a freshman receiver in the ACC. He averaged 15.4 yards per catch in Ralph Friedgen’s offense.
Lance Leggett, Sr., Miami: When this guy got to Miami three years ago a lot of us thought he was the next Michael Irvin. He still could have a great end to his career if the offense finally clicks under new coordinator Patrick Nix. Leggett caught 38 passes and averaged 15.4 yards per catch in 2006. He’s bigger and stronger than a year ago.
Eddie Royal, Sr., Virginia Tech: Royal had only 31 catches last season but the Hokies have big plans for him in 2007. Virginia Tech is looking for a lot of ways to get Royal the ball in the open field. He is also a great kick returner.
Sam Shields, Soph., Miami: Shields caught 37 passes for 501 yards as a freshman, the most catches by a Hurricanes rookie since Reggie Wayne in 1997. Every school in the country wanted this guy coming out of Booker High School in Sarasota. This season Shields will show them why.
HONORABLE MENTION
Kevin Challenger, Sr. Boston College: Had 47 catches for 543 yards last season and will have to do even more now that Tony Gonzalez, the Eagles’ big play receiver, is gone.
De’Cody Fagg, Sr., Florida State: Fagg caught 34 passes last season and was the closet thing the Seminole offense had to a big-play threat.
James Johnson, Jr., Georgia Tech: Johnson had 39 catches for 608 yards last season but he has to prove he can get open on his own, and not because Calvin Johnson was being double teamed on the other side of the field. He’ll be the best of Georgia Tech’s committee of receivers.
Aaron Kelly, Jr., Clemson: Chansi Stuckey is gone and that leaves the door open for Kelly, who caught six passes in the Music City Bowl.
Hakeem Nicks, Soph., North Carolina: On a team that doesn’t have a lot of talent, this guy is a real playmaker. He caught 39 passes for 660 yards as a freshman and averaged 16.9 yards per catch.
Kenny Moore, Sr., Wake Forest: This guy will be a surprise star this season. He played running back last season when the Deacons got in a pinch. Now he is going to be their best big-play maker.
