WRs: 2013 vs. 2014

Submitted by Tate on

After reading the First Look: Offense 2014, I started thinking about the now freshman class of receivers compared to the incoming class.

(It's kinda fun to have some depth here!)

Since we really have seen nothing as far as playing time so far from the '13 class, and the '14 class seems to be much higher rated, I was just wondering what you all think we will see next year.

Who do you think gets more playing time?

Dukes/Jones/York

or

Canteen/Harris/Ways

 

UMaD

January 1st, 2014 at 1:11 PM ^

  1. Funchess - Whenever he isn't at TE
  2. Chesson - Looked solid, can block
  3. Darboh - skeptical of the hype till he plays after Jerald Robinson
  4. Canteen - route-running hype is tantalizing
  5. Harris - Crazy offer list reflects talent
  6. Norfleet - screen threat
  7. Jones - top '13 wideout?
  8. Dukes - is tall I guess
  9. York - special teams
  10. Ways - will be behind EE classmates

MJ14

January 1st, 2014 at 1:13 PM ^

This looks almost dead on though I would put Darboh ahead of Chesson. Darboh was going to be the start last year before his injury. I might even put Canteen ahead of Chesson because he's that ridiculously good at route running and has very good hands. Still though, I like this list. Ways almost certainly redshirts. 

MJ14

January 1st, 2014 at 7:29 PM ^

Yeah but it's not the hype where you here a ton of good things and then the player rides the bench. Darboh was set to be the starter this year before injury. Plus, it's not like Chesson had a huge year. He had right around 20 catches right? I'm guessing Darboh will at least match that this year. Either way, we both pretty much agree on the list. Both Darboh and Chesson should help the team next year.

charblue.

January 1st, 2014 at 1:43 PM ^

I would prefer Michigan adopt a rather open approach to talent and playmaking ability as it regards playcalling than force the talent to adopt to some prevailing idea about successful offensive strategy. I just think having a qb who can run as opposed to having one who can't, makes you a more dynamic team. 

Now, the difference in this thinking begins and ends with ability and execution, since the practicality of any offense is entirely based on your effectiveness to make any play work when its called. But it would be better to have a veteran starter who can run than a straight dropback passer who can barely escape pressure, especially when you have Oline issues. 

HarBooYa

January 1st, 2014 at 2:19 PM ^

Is easiest position to come in early and play. I expect we see some of these guys come in and contribute. I am thinking canteen and drake. I think mo ways redshirts given the other similar players we have. That said, would not be surprised if he rolls in too.

YoOoBoMoLloRoHo

January 1st, 2014 at 3:09 PM ^

For many of the reasons stated: Canteen is an advanced route runner, Harris is a top-tier deep threat, and Ways mixes passion + physical maturity. Hopefully our secondary significantly improves to challenge and help develop the WRs - the porous coverage throughout the season doesn't indicate our O has sufficient practice against tight coverage.

nofunforfu

January 1st, 2014 at 3:11 PM ^

I mentioned this in Brian's column yesterday but I think next year's WR corp is the best group since 2007. I think we'll see more PT from the 2014 group largely bc of Canteen and Harris enrolling early. Canteen potentially splitting time with Jones at the slot and Harris should see more PT than York/Dukes bc of his superior athleticism. I might actually be more excited about the group next year if York or Dukes plays over Harris as this should mean that one is more advanced than expected. Either way, I love the size of the whole WR group and think the increased size will pay dividends.

Mich1993

January 1st, 2014 at 3:47 PM ^

I think that Funchess and Darboh will get the bulk of the catches along with Butt and a few from Chesson. 

Of the 2013 and 2014 guys, I was thinking that Harris and Canteen would both make an impact, but I was surprised to watch their highlight tapes and see how skinny they are.  Granted Harris' tape was from 2012 so maybe he's put on good weight while injured (?).  Ways did not look as skinny, so maybe he'll play.  All of them are very talented.

My bet is 1-2 of the 2014 guys contribute with some big plays and that if it's only one of them that Jones will be the other WR getting PT.

MJ14

January 1st, 2014 at 7:38 PM ^

Adrian Arrinton played his freshman season at 175. Canteen is coming in at 175 and he's enrolling early. So I have no doubt that he will add the needed weight to contribute this season. Also for comparison sake Ty Hilton was drafted at 178 pounds, so Canteen will be fine. For that matter, Harris is listed at 180 minimum on every site, so he's bigger than I imagined. He may actually be fine when it comes to weight and strength gains his first year too. 

kirbylax10

January 1st, 2014 at 3:47 PM ^

No evidence or anything here. But just from pure speculation I would assume the '13 guys get the bulk this coming year.  However, I think the '14 class of WR's all have star potential and therefore, down the road, I think the '14 class will go down as one of our best WR classes ever. They're all different receivers to me, which is exactly what you want in one class.

Rodriguesqe

January 1st, 2014 at 4:09 PM ^

i think this group takes a step back in '14, unfortunately.  like the te's, but i think we need at least one player step up big time. that was true of a lot of groups in 2013, and pretty much accross the board it didnt happen.

as for qb controversy, if there was a debate (i dont think there is) the tie braker would be the road heavy schedule. got to stick with the 5th year senior over young guy.

Coldwater

January 1st, 2014 at 4:27 PM ^

I'm worried about Drake Harris right now. He missed his entire Senior season to a mysterious "hamstring" injury. I've pulled my hammies before and I was out just for 1 or 2 weeks. Just give them some rest and its fine. But what could cause a great athlete to miss 4 months now of competition?

He's very thin too. I not sure he could be physical enough against Big Ten corners and safeties. I wouldn't be surprised if he redshirted just to bulk up.

samdrussBLUE

January 1st, 2014 at 5:43 PM ^

I'm hoping both Chesson and Darboh are big contributors. Let the younger guys fall in place down the road.

Uper73

January 1st, 2014 at 10:56 PM ^

While a Gallon and Dileo were not tall wideouts they were tough possession receivers with great hands, very few drops even in tight coverage. It would be an answered prayer if a couple of these 6 foot plus guys can develop hands and courage like those two and as well as being taller targets. Maybe Hayes and Norfleet can be Dexter McCluster types- just dreaming...