WR preview

We got a guest blog from my good buddy Stratton aka Mortenson, I'd add something but I agree with everything he wrote.

 

 Q:  What do Santa Claus, July heat, and KU wide receivers all have in common?

 

A:  None will disappoint in 2009. 

 

With returning the top WR corp in Mt. Oread history, it is time to take a deeper look into the key cogs that will aid Reesing's quest for 10,000 and the school's first Big 12 North title.

 

Dez Briscoe (Jr.) - 2008 stats: 92 catches, 1407 yards, 15 TDs.  Seems to be everyone's consensus All-American pick at wide-receiver due to freakish combination of speed, size (6'3" 200), and strength.  Demonstrated his athleticism by serving as the team's kickoff return specialist in the Misery and Minnesota games, where he single-handily made the kickoff return team relevant.  With the upgrades that will be present along the offensive line, TR5 should have more time to catch Briscoe torching the shorter DBs of the Big Dozen on long routes.  Some scouts question his top end speed but I never really saw any one drag him down from behind (and neither did Nebraska in 2007).  I see him as a Big 12 version of Plaxico Burress (hopefully without the firearm), who will develop into a combination big-play receiver who can also take a short route and turn it into 6.  Some, including Mangino in spring ball, question his work-ethic.  I think the only question that remains to be answered is does he rake in 1,600 yards and 15 TDs?  If so, add the title 1st round draft pick to his list of accomplishments.  And to think that he wasn't the most highly sought after recruit on his high school team (William Cole anyone?). 

 

Kerry Meier (Sr.) - 2008 stats:  97 catches, 1045 yards, 8 TDs, 1 Misery heartbreak.  Mr. Reliable, Old Faithful, or any other cheesy TV announcer nickname doesn't begin to scratch the surface on his value to the team and the receiving corps.  The definition of a team player, Meier unselfishly made the transition from QB to WR seem effortless despite battling significant injuries and lack of practice at the position throughout 2008.  Now that Kale Pick has taken the backup QB duties, Meier will practice full time at WR...a move which should further enhance his already uncanny chemistry with TR5.  Meier's size, above-average feet, and made-out-of-super-glue hands are a QB's dream and should keep defenses from rolling double coverage to Briscoe on every down.  I don't think he will get to 100 catches due to the increased emphasis on the running game in 2009, but I don't see why he wouldn't be TR5's favorite target in the red zone, propelling him to double digit TD catches and a big F-U to Misery fans again in this year's Border War.    

 

Johnathan Wilson (RS-Jr.) - 2008 stats: 43 catches, 573 yards, 3 TDs.  Perhaps the biggest factor in the overall success (or dominance) of KU's 2009 passing game may rest on the somewhat unknown shoulder of Wilson.  He demonstrated his ability to make the big catch and run in last year's South Florida game when he racked up 10 catches for 171 yds and 2 TDs.  However, that was also a situation where our leading rusher from the game (Quigley - 22 yards) is now playing linebacker.  So which Wilson will show up in 2009...the one with the great game at USF or the one who caught exactly four TOTAL passes in the 5 games after it?  If the spring game is any measure of future success, Wilson flourishes when called on to be the man.  There will be times this year when so much attention is going to be paid to Meier and Dez that Wilson is going to find himself in some pretty cherry situations.  More so than any other skill position player in 2009, Wilson is playing for more than this season...he is playing for the chance to be "the man" in 2010.  Expect around 50/780/6 for this important #3. 

 

Contenders for PT:

 

Brad McDougald (Fr.) - Snagging this 4-star recruit away from Ohio State was a big win for the Jayhawks.  He may very well operate out of the slot opposite Meier on passing downs due to his size (6'3), very similar to what Briscoe did his freshman year.  Look for good things out of this guy for years to come.  (the word on campus is that he is ready and bringing it already, could be a real threat)

 

Isiah Barfield (RS SO)- Has good speed but may see the field more often on special teams possibly even as the KR.

 

Raymond Pendleton (Jr.) - Remember him?  Yeah, he was last seen diving into the endzone and subsequently getting an ass-reaming of a lifetime by HCMM all over YouTube.  He made some catches last year but looks to be more of a spot player for the Big 3 mentioned above. Should also be one of the go to targets in mop up time for Pick.

 

Rod Harris- (JR) - Transfer from JUCO, has ability but has been bother by an injury that kept him out of Spring ball. Like mentioned above, its going to be really hard to crack that rotation but he is a guy I could see getting spot duty if healthy. 

 

That is it.  Start to enjoy the remaining days until kickoff!

 

- Strat Mortenson

 

Rock Chalk