Cut to Chase...Who will it be in 2007?
While Jarrett Hicks owners will disagree, 2006 was an abnormally consistent for Tech wide receivers. With Hicks (X) out for various reasons throughout the year, Joel Filani (Z) and Robert Johnson (Y) were the beneficiaries, combining for 180
catches, 2171 yards, and 24 TDs. However, there is one key component to consider
here: the Tech offense saw very little turnover at the WR position from 2005 to
2006. Filani, Johnson, Amendola (H), and Hicks (if he would have been eligible)
were all carry-over starters from 2005. Filani and Johnson put up solid numbers
in 2005, so it is no surprise that they flourished with Hicks out.
The 2007 campaign is shaping up as an entirely different story. Besides Amendola, we are going to see a new group of WRs attempt to carve out a place in the starting line-up. Amendola moves from one inside spot (H), to the other inside spot (Y). At first glance this looks like lateral move. However looking back through recent years, the Y spot has out-produced the H ever since the Wes Welker era. In recent years we've seen Johnson, Trey Haverty (also played some H in relief of Nehemiah Glover), and Mickey Peters all put up legit fantasy numbers from the Y spot. This is good news for Amedola, who is a technically sound receiver that will pile up the receptions. However, don't look for him to be the big play threat of the group. If you're looking for consistency, and your league tallies points for receptions, Amendola is a very good pick.
Eric Morris is the most likely to take over the H spot made available with Amendola's move. Morris saw plenty of action at the H with Amendola last year, but as we've pointed out, the H spot has not produced the numbers as the Y. Given this and the fact that Morris was behind Amendola on the depth chart last year, he should also be behind Amendola on our draft board this year.
When we start to look at the outside positions things start to get interesting and this is where the feast or famine potential is especially intriguing. There are 4 receivers vying for 2 spots. L.A. Reed and Todd Walker filled in for Hicks last year and manned the X position again this spring. Walker is the burner of the two with Reed possessing the size. Neither has distiguished themselves from the other so look for them to split time once again, which will eat into individual numbers.
Joel Filani manned the Z position for the past 2 years and his numbers speak for themselves. A pair of youngsters are battling to take over his spot and become the next big play receiver on the outside: sophomore Edward Britton and redshirt freshman Michael Crabtree. Crabtree was the scout team hero last year and tore up spring practice again this year. At 6' 2" and 210lbs he is a big target. He also has plenty of athletic ability to make things happen after the catch. A deadly combo. Despite all the attention Crabtree has received of late, Britton is still ahead of him on the depth chart and should not be ignored. Britton is a bit smaller, but has tremendous speed. This makes him a threat anytime he touches the ball and in a Tech offense that could be often. Britton could also see some time in kick-off and punt returns giving him a few more touches this year. Crabtree and Britton are Tech's two big play weapons and in the end we believe both will be on the field. Because of this we are placing our head smack dab on the chopping block once again, with the advice to take Crabtree and/or Britton ahead of Reed, Walker, or Morris.
In short if you are looking for consistency you'll want to grab Amendola. If you're a gambler and are looking to score big you want Crabtree or Britton. If they don't pan out you can always blame us. If all three are gone, then you need to spin the roulette wheel with Reed, Walker, or Morris.
This is an especially difficult year for drafting Red Raider wide receivers, and we're not just saying this so that angry owners do not throw this piece back in our faces in early November. The options are vast, the head coach is certifiable, and the Texas Tech offense looks to exploit the weaknesses of opposing defensive units rather than create individual stars. Some owners are going to get rich, and some are going to spend their free time making Mike Leach voodoo dolls; either way, it's never dull in Red Raider land.
Comments