Spring Break
Football analysis: Young leads group of unproven wideouts
Michael Carroll
Although not as formidable as their counterparts in the running attack, the Frogs' wide receivers proved they were a force to be reckoned with during the 2008 season.
The key member of the team's wide receiving corps in 2009 will be junior Jimmy Young. Young was far and away the Frogs' greatest threat through the air in 2008 when he caught 59 passes for 988 yards and five touchdowns. He had 667 more yards than the receiver with the second most yards.
The 6-foot-1-inch, 204-pounder from Monroe, La., received honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference honors for his performance last season. His 988 yards receiving were the fifth most in the MWC in 2008 and the second most in the history of the Frogs' football program. He fell just 25 yards short of setting a new school record for receiving yards.
Fans can expect Young to be targeted even more frequently in 2009 as his on-field chemistry with junior quarterback Andy Dalton continues to improve.
The Frogs' second-leading receiver last season was soon-to-be senior running back Ryan Christian, who should remain a threat out of the backfield in 2009.
Other returning starters include juniors Bart Johnson and Jeremy Kerley. The two caught a combined 26 passes last season for just 301 yards and one touchdown. Their roles could be expanded if the Frogs decide to test the skies a bit more in 2009.
Junior Curtis Clay also contributed last season when he caught nine balls for 98 yards, played on special teams and saw action in all 13 games.
The newest addition to the wide receivers will be freshman Josh Boyce from Copperas Cove High School. The 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pound wideout received honorable-mention all-state honors his senior year when he had 42 receptions for 837 yards. Boyce will almost certainly be redshirted during his first season with the Frogs.
Returning starters: Jimmy Young, Bart Johnson, Jeremy Kerley
Other returning players: Curtis Clay, Antoine Hicks, Alonzo Adams, Jonathan Jones, Tyler Luttrell
New additions: Josh Boyce
Starters lost: Walter Bryant
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