Kelton Copeland Says Receivers Still A Work on Progress

[lightning1]

I guess McNutt and T. Smith are the better examples of players that made giant leaps as sophomores. I will agree that neither McNutt or T. Smith were impressive as freshman.

But I thought both DJK and Hinkel showed great potential and already showed they could catch the ball as freshman.
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Hinkle was behind CJ Jones (38 catches), Mo Brown (48) and Dallas Clark (43) . Even so, he managed to grab 22 passes his FR year.
DJK caught 38 passes, in spite of permanent residency in the KF dog house (for good reasons).

 

[AreWeThereYet]

I don't think it is exactly hurting in regard to proven talent as some are making it out to be. Having two excellent receiving tight ends helps the passing game immensely. Fant is already performing at all big ten level, and Hockenson seems to be well on his way to being a high level player. Receiver Nick Easley has been reliable in the short passing game.

Even if they don't have a break out year I look to Branden Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette to have significant rolls. Nate Wieting has shown some ability as a blocking tight end, which may free up Fant and Hockenson a bit.

 

[4thngoal]

I don't think it is exactly hurting in regard to proven talent as some are making it out to be. Having two excellent receiving tight ends helps the passing game immensely. Fant is already performing at all big ten level, and Hockenson seems to be well on his way to being a high level player. Receiver Nick Easley has been reliable in the short passing game.

Even if they don't have a break out year I look to Branden Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette to have significant rolls. Nate Wieting has shown some ability as a blocking tight end, which may free up Fant and Hockenson a bit.

I agree. We don't have to throw on every down either. We just need to make people play us honest and if they don't, be able to make them pay consistently. Plus have some passing plays for the end zone and such.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

I agree. We don't have to throw on every down either. We just need to make people play us honest and if they don't, be able to make them pay consistently. Plus have some passing plays for the end zone and such.

I am looking forward to red zone offense. Fant and Hockenson have already shown their ability in the end zone. Runningbacks Toren Young & IKM have already reached the end zone a number of times on very limited play time. Smith-Marsette also has a couple of touchdowns. Maybe Brandon Smith can use his height to advantage, or we can get Drew Cook or Shaun Beyer in on the fun.

 

[SmokeTownHawk]

If these receivers can do little more than simply hanging onto the ball when Nate throws it to 'em that's marked improvement. Get separation and burn more than a db or two for a score every now and then it'd be like we've got Jerry Rice on the roster.