Potential Problems at Wide Receiver

In the last couple of weeks the Spartans have lost 2 receivers: 2013 recruit Jay Harris (to rap) and sophomore Juwan Caeser (transfer).  So now is as good a time as any to reflect on where the Spartans stand with wide receiver depth. Below is a list of receivers currently on the roster.

Bennie Fowler	SR
Tony Lippett	JR
Keith Mumphery	JR
DeAnthony Arnett	JR
John Jakubik	JR
Aaron Burbridge	SO
Andre Sims Jr.	SO
AJ Troup	SO
Macgarrett Kings Jr.	SO
Tres Barksdale	RS FR
Monty Madaris	RS FR
Kyle Kerrick	RS FR
Matt Macksood	RS FR

As we can see, there are 13 receivers listed and we can add Trey Kilgore, who will be arriving this fall. It looks like Spartans have a relatively young receiving unit, with only Fowler set to graduate after this year. In fact, it looks like the Spartans will be peaking at the wide receiver position in 2014. They'll have 4 seniors and 4 juniors, including the rising Burbridge.

So if there is going to be a problem, it could come in 2015, when the Spartans lose those 4 seniors and probably Burbridge to early departure.  That could mean that they will lose several, if not all of their starters after 2014. As we learned last year, it takes some time to develop good receivers. I do think that guys like Kings, Madaris, and Troup could form a good starting unit for 2015, but the Spartans could be hurting for depth, unless some of the other guys currently on the roster emerge.

This all increases the importance of the 2014 recruiting class. It looks to me like the Spartans will need to bring in at least 2 quality receivers in this class, and perhaps a third. Unfortunately, it's looking rough out there for receiver recruiting this year. The Spartans came so close, but ultimately missed out on top receiving targets Drake Harris and Dareian Watkins. Moreover, they don't seem to be in on many top-end receivers at the moment. Hopefully, they'll be able to attract some top guys, soon. If not, we may have to wait to see if any solid receivers emerge during their senior years.  I also am impressed by the athleticism of prospects like Matt Morrissey, who is considered a safety, but looks like he could play receiver.  So he could be an option. We'll have to wait and see what happens there.