ACC Returns Most Of Receiving Star Power In 2011
by Bud Elliott on Mar 7, 2011 10:43 AM EST
in FSU Football
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Print| Receiving In Conference 2010 | |||||
| Departed | Returning | ||||
| Team | Catches | Yards | Catches | Yards | % |
| Florida St. Seminoles | 0 | 0 | 151 | 1742 | 100% |
| Virginia Tech Hokies | 17 | 161 | 105 | 1577 | 91% |
| Duke Blue Devils | 37 | 330 | 163 | 1845 | 85% |
| Clemson Tigers | 27 | 268 | 121 | 1241 | 82% |
| Wake Forest Demon Deacons | 22 | 260 | 79 | 897 | 78% |
| Boston College Eagles | 18 | 280 | 79 | 1008 | 78% |
| North Carolina Tar Heels | 54 | 598 | 115 | 1565 | 72% |
| Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | 13 | 214 | 26 | 521 | 71% |
| Virginia Cavaliers | 51 | 783 | 126 | 1319 | 63% |
| Miami Hurricanes | 51 | 781 | 81 | 1087 | 58% |
| N.C. State Wolfpack | 94 | 1269 | 110 | 1000 | 44% |
| Maryland Terrapins | 104 | 1277 | 58 | 696 | 36% |
| FSU's 2 Other Opponents | |||||
| Departured | Returning | ||||
| Team | Catches | Yards | Catches | Yards | % |
| Florida Gators | 25 | 333 | 130 | 1377 | 81% |
| Oklahoma Sooners | 69 | 723 | 170 | 2071 | 74% |
The relationship between a quarterback and a receiver is an important one built on trust. Rarely does an inexperienced crop of receivers excel. It almost always takes a year for a receiving corps to be in the right spots, to run routes with confidence, and to learn the nuances of the position. That is why you almost never see highly touted freshmen receivers make an immediate impact, unless the kid is just a complete physical freak.
In recent years, we have seen Wake Forest return only 25% of receiving yards in 2008, Virginia Tech return only 13% of receiving yards in 2008, North Carolina run only 22% of receiving yards in 2009, and Clemson return only 34% of receiving yards in 2010. All of those teams struggled mightily in the passing game. Receivers ran bad routes, they dropped balls, and generally played like inexperienced receivers.
Of course, losing a large percentage of receiving yards isn't a guarantee that a team will struggle in the passing game. Florida State returned only 41% of receiving yards in 2009 yet had the best offense in the conference. Of course, the 'Noles also had the luxury of returning two veteran receivers who missed large parts of 2008 with injury. That truly is an outlier.
Given that, let's take a look at what each ACC team is bringing back in terms of receiving yards from conference play. The chart is limited to conference play because conference games matter and are typically not blowouts, meaning the good players play longer.
This year is absolutely loaded with returning receivers. Fireworks should fly early as most of the conference teams don't need time to adjust out of the gate. But I said most, not all. N.C. State and Maryland could really struggle, returning only 44% and 36% of receiving, respectively. In a normal year, those numbers wouldn't be rock bottom. But in a year featuring a ridiculous amount of returning receiver talent, the Wolfpack and the Terrapins might both struggle early relative to the other teams. And really more so the Terrapins than the Wolfpack as N.C. State opens with a cakewalk schedule, while the Terps have to face the excellent defenses of Miami and West Virginia.
Here are the top 50 players broken down by receiving yards. Those crossed out have moved on.
| Name | Team | 2011 YR | Position | Catches | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwight Jones | N Carolina | JR | WR | 38 | 698 |
| Conner Vernon | Duke | JR | WR | 48 | 615 |
| Danny Coale | Va Tech | SR | WR | 28 | 581 |
| Travis Benjamin | Miami (Fl) | SR | WR | 28 | 533 |
| Kris Burd | Virginia | SR | WR | 36 | 485 |
| Donovan Varner | Duke | SR | WR | 38 | 472 |
| Willie Haulstead | FSU | JR | WR | 31 | 432 |
| Jarrett Boykin | Va Tech | SR | WR | 30 | 417 |
| Chris Givens | Wk Forest | JR | WR | 23 | 398 |
| Bert Reed | FSU | SR | WR | 35 | 386 |
| Taiwan Easterling | FSU | SR | WR | 30 | 380 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Clemson | SO | WR | 33 | 376 |
| Anthony Elzy | N Carolina | SR | RB | 25 | 338 |
| Jaron Brown | Clemson | JR | WR | 21 | 330 |
| Cooper Helfet | Duke | SR | TE | 26 | 306 |
| Rodney Smith | FSU | JR | WR | 23 | 297 |
| Bobby Swigert | BC | SO | WR | 23 | 295 |
| Alex Amidon | BC | SO | WR | 10 | 294 |
| Matt Snyder | Virginia | SR | WR | 21 | 280 |
| LaRon Byrd | Miami (Fl) | SR | WR | 22 | 257 |
| Erik Highsmith | N Carolina | SO | WR | 17 | 243 |
| George Bryan | NC State | SR | TE | 19 | 214 |
| Dwayne Allen | Clemson | JR | TE | 23 | 200 |
| Marcus Davis | Va Tech | JR | WR | 16 | 192 |
| Devon Brown | Wk Forest | SR | WR | 23 | 187 |
| James Washington | NC State | JR | RB | 25 | 181 |
| David Wilson | Va Tech | JR | RB | 10 | 174 |
| Mustafa Greene | NC State | SO | RB | 20 | 169 |
| Quintin McCree | Maryland | SR | WR | 12 | 164 |
| Beau Reliford | FSU | SR | TE | 14 | 159 |
| Perry Jones | Virginia | JR | RB | 24 | 156 |
| Desmond Scott | Duke | JR | RB | 20 | 155 |
| Stephen Hill | Ga Tech | JR | WR | 7 | 155 |
| Chris Pantale | BC | JR | TE | 18 | 154 |
| Ronnie Tyler | Maryland | SR | WR | 12 | 149 |
| Bryce McNeal | Clemson | SO | WR | 15 | 121 |
While 11 of the top 30 ACC receivers left this year, at least 15 of the top 30 stand to graduate this time around. And that's not including underclassmen, so 2012 could be a down year for ACC receiving.
We could be in for an ACC offensive year the likes of which haven't been seen since 2008.
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No, I dont
'11: Minimum Goal: 9-3 Regular Season. Given FSU's non-con slate, don't care who the 9 are.
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
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I guess what I'm trying to get at is...
I don’t understand how that chart tells us that 2008 was an abnormal offensive year for the ACC. Is there something else you’re referring to?
Youre right it doesnt. Its just generally known in my head
'11: Minimum Goal: 9-3 Regular Season. Given FSU's non-con slate, don't care who the 9 are.
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
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Bud bats third
and we put the pitcher in the 8 hole to try to get him more at-bats.
Awesome work, sir.
What are you glorifying with your life?
What's scary
is that Oklahoma gained more WR catches/yards with 74% of their guys vs 100% of ours.
Have to look at more than raw numbers
OU is more of a passing offense and plays at a higher tempo allowing for more plays per game.
by osceolafan2.0 on Mar 7, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
We could be in for an ACC offensive year the likes of which haven’t been seen since 2008.
If this is the case, the question becomes whose secondary is most able to combat big time passing attacks? I like VT’s and us – which should be the conference championship match-up again.
What are you glorifying with your life?
by ricobert1 on Mar 7, 2011 11:15 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Which schools are also breaking in new starting QB's?
"You make the helmet, the helmet doesn't make you." << Jimbo FN' Fisher
Follow my mindless rants on Twitter @RobbedbyJT
Returning QBs
Only Miami (Harris and Morris) and Duke (Sean Renfree) return QBs that played in every game.
Georgia State - Join the Movement.
What is the percentage of pass attempts returning, and what is the historical impact of this number?
2011 BCS Bowl
2012 MNC
Eeeeeeexcellent
by SoCalNole on Mar 7, 2011 11:30 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Last year we were fairly confident
That easterling was leaving for baseball.
Are we now fairly confident he stays?
by BenDNole on Mar 7, 2011 11:49 AM EST via mobile reply actions
havent seen enough out of him yet on the diamond
his draft spot last season was too low for him to go, and he needs to show something for a team to draft him higher.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
Doubt he'll play much under Martin
but his draft will be based on potential anyway. Hard to count on him getting much burn at FSU.
i agree
but the only way his draft goes up is with something to compare that potential to on the field. he is the same player he was last year, just a year older, which hurts his draft stock. production to show potential is the only way hes getting drafted higher.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
11 at bats so far compared to only 23 last year.
Hitting much better than last year, too, albeit nothing special.
MiNDSET? SWAG-ER-ISM!!!
---------------------------------------------------------
Trick is right.
Wherever you are, Trick, you are wise, indeed.
Correct, Sir Trick.
Thanks tricknole!
You truly are one of God's treasures, Trick
Ponder sure spread the ball around
Which is a good thing, I guess…
Florida State 45 Miami 17
Florida State 31 Florida 7
State Champions
ACC Atlantic Division Champions
While no doubt important,
This would be much more significant if we had a returning starter at QB. On the other hand, EJ was the most experienced backup I can think of, so there is a large drop off. There’s two sides to this story IMO, one being returning recievers and the other being a returning QB.
Stephen "Giraffe Neck" Morris says, "What about me?"
-FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES-;;-►
by Blood, Sugar, Sex, ORLANDO Magic on Mar 7, 2011 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
giraffe neck?
i would have gone with “uma thurman eyes,” but maybe its just me
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
Look at that thing!
-FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES-;;-►
by Blood, Sugar, Sex, ORLANDO Magic on Mar 7, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
eh, i done see it
but check the eyes…
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
*dont see it
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
Ahhhh!!
Take it down!!!
-FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES-;;-►
by Blood, Sugar, Sex, ORLANDO Magic on Mar 7, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
The rest of the ACC may be down in 2012 for receiving
But Smith and Haulstead could put up big numbers this year to make us the exception.
Along the lines of freshman receivers rarely making significant contributions, can we expect any different from O’Leary?
The article is saying the ACC is up for receiving
But some of the teams who are up in receiving are breaking in new QBs and a few are bringing in new OCs as well. Will be interesting to see how everyone does offensively.
by osceolafan2.0 on Mar 7, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
easier to break in a QB with a bunch of experienced receivers
than an experienced QB with new, unproven receivers. the new QB has seen time with them in practice, and all he needs is a reliable WR to keep him in his rhythm as he improves. as we saw last season, when your receivers arent where they need to be, it drags your QB down.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
Not necessarily
You can have experienced WRs who are where they are supposed to be but if a new QB can’t read the defense effectively, go to the right WR or check off in certain situations, he’ll be ineffective. If you give people the choice between picking a team with a new QB and experienced WRs or vice versa, all else equal, most will go with the former.
you assumed your QB is bad
an above average QB can execute the offense effectively, so long as he is familiar with it and the WR is where he should be. its totally unnecessary to have a QB that has to totally read a defense or check in and of audibles; there are plenty that continue to call a hard count, then back out of the stance and get the defensive call and audible from the sideline before most plays.
the only things that are absolutely necessary to a new QB are his ability to understand how his side of the play should work, and that he can rely on his receivers to be where they need to be. he learns to read defenses and call audibles as he improves.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
For FSU's WR unit, 2011 > 2011
probably much > b/c there will be 4-5 new WRs (Shaw, Dent, Haggins, Green & Benjamin) who could see PT… although Shaw, Dent & Haggins combined for 5 receptions, all were in garbage time so I still count them as new for 2011.
Championship!
I remember Dent and Shaw
having two catches a piece, that weren’t garbage time.
Shaw’s was actually during the 1:00 drill against Clemson.
i would be SHOCKED not to see bert in the top 3, at least in receptions
2 years in a row isnt a fluke, and while the big guys get the bigger YPC, the little guys are the ones getting open underneath for 8 receptions to the big guy’s 4. reliability is a constant from week to week, as opposed to boom or bust. NFL numbers (where you find balanced passing attacks) bear that out. Randy Moss led the league in TDs, but Welker had the most receptions and yards for a reason.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
But wes runs good routes and has god hands. Bert does neither.
'11: Minimum Goal: 9-3 Regular Season. Given FSU's non-con slate, don't care who the 9 are.
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
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I remember him having good hands in 09, but then fumbled them in '10
perhaps a bad year for him?
Solider: "Why is this godforsaken hellhole worth dying for?"
Captain Zapp Brannigan: "Don't ask me. You're the ones who are going to be dying."
he had way more drops than usual (eye test)
…. it must have been a mental thing
Oh you meant Bert huh,
I’m dumb, I was commenting on Wes.
both of those assertions are wrong because they only take into account his worst moments of last season
as harper said, bert had a great 09 (minimal drops, 2nd in receptions and yds by 1 and 19, resp.). and despite his bad hands in ’10, he still led in receptions and yards (by 15 and 27). you dont get the most receptions, especially when you include drops, by not being where you are supposed to be. you can debate the hands, but he runs the right routes more often than not, in comparison to the rest of our receivers.
i am by no means saying bert has welker talent, because he doesnt, but the numbers dont lie. he is much better than you give him credit for.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
I know he is not looked at favorably by the coaches.
'11: Minimum Goal: 9-3 Regular Season. Given FSU's non-con slate, don't care who the 9 are.
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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how so?
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
For the reasons you dismissed
'11: Minimum Goal: 9-3 Regular Season. Given FSU's non-con slate, don't care who the 9 are.
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
Follow Tomahawk Nation's Twitter feed!
I think Willie and Rodney will be our top 2 (jmo)
And I think they will have the outside starting spots locked down.
I just think we will have a lot of options at slot, especially if easterling returns, plus O’Leary.
I’m not saying Bert won’t get his fair share of catches, I just think he’ll now be sharing with Greene, Dent, Haggins, and Taiwan…. instead of just Taiwan.
you mean Green (Christian)
GreenE is Rashad who will be a true freshman.
Not trying to argue, just saying.
hmmm
u start saying about qb and receiver connection, but EJ only has about a half year or less of game time experience.
call me skeptical
He's played in two bowl games
Hell, he even got his butt kicked by Florida once… He’ll be alright.
by NoleySmokes on Mar 7, 2011 9:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
EJ is more prepared than any back-up to start
keep in mind that it’s not like he’s only played against garbage opponents, e.g., Duke, Virginia or FCS teams. Here is his competition (where he played meaningful minutes or started):
2009:
Wake – W
Maryland – W
Florida – L
WVU (Gator Bowl) – W, MVP
2010:
Clemson – W
VT – L
SCAR (Chick-Fil-A Bowl)- W
Championship!
by TLHWG on Mar 8, 2011 8:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
and you cant hang UF and VT solely on him
UF was MUCH better than us. and EJ looked pretty good against VT, our D was the reason we lost that one. freakin danny coale.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
Seriously?
I would argue that he’s one of the most well-prepared first year starters in BCS football. He’s faced some elite defenses as a freshman and sophomore, and hell…he even won a couple games.
I am completely not worried about EJ. At all.
I AM worried about what happens AFTER EJ.
Formerly known as Randall W. Spetman
Dang, worried about 2013? lol
I have high hopes for Coker/Kelly.
MiNDSET? SWAG-ER-ISM!!!
---------------------------------------------------------
Trick is right.
Wherever you are, Trick, you are wise, indeed.
Correct, Sir Trick.
Thanks tricknole!
You truly are one of God's treasures, Trick
It would seem to me ...
…the most important conclusion to draw from this chart is that you had better give young receivers some serious playing time if you want to have sustained success over a period of years.
or just ease them in
if you have a deep WR corps, you can have 2 upperclassmen with 1 young guy, and rotate which young guy that is and when they play. but yes, its always better to give guys PT when you arent depending on them to succeed. that way they can improve without the pressure of jumping from no experience to comfortable and reliable.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
I'm really
hoping that Christian Greene has a break-out year this year. I was super-excited we got him, I think he’ll prove out to be a great receiver.
"Yes, we won a national championship." — Fisher on if he had ever had a top ranked class before.
C Green & Wilie Tye are two O RS Fr who I have high hopes for in 2011
Jimbo must be absolutely giddy about the weapons he’ll have on O this season.
Championship!
i dont expect a breakout from either of those guys
frankly, if we can get 15 catches from Green and 10 from Tye, i will be happy. no need to rely on Green because we have plenty of receivers to rotate in and out situationally. and since we have enough experience at WR, even if you assume Reliford isnt eligible, i think it would probably mean a total of 20 catches between Tye, Sessions, and O’Leary this year, since they are still inexperienced. bring ’em along at a good pace and we should do fine.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
Tye is looking like a beast right now (pics from 4th quarter drills)
I think he’s at least ready to murder people on special teams.
Gimme some sugar, baby.
by Tubby Sweetbundle on Mar 8, 2011 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
i noticed that too
did he grow, or is Jenkins significantly shorter than he is listed? because in the picture with both of them, Tye looks to have an inch or two on Jenkins.
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
Ditto.
MiNDSET? SWAG-ER-ISM!!!
---------------------------------------------------------
Trick is right.
Wherever you are, Trick, you are wise, indeed.
Correct, Sir Trick.
Thanks tricknole!
You truly are one of God's treasures, Trick
so what are we talking about here
another Everette Brown? he was listed at 6’3" coming in and hes still there now. it he really 2-3 inches shorter than that?
btw, i still dont know if Brown shrank or what, but how does a guy go from 6’4" as a recruit to 6’1" for the NFL?
"I guess they have a reputation of being more of a tricky team and not being tough. You hit ‘em in the mouth, and they don’t like it. Other teams that have beat them just hit them in the mouth, so that’s what we started out with.’’ - Nick Moody
for years FSU players self-reported stats
so, FSU just used whatever Brown wrote down on the sheet. I don’t know if this is the current policy – and I don’t think it matters.
Also, at the combine, they make you lean on your heels (barefoot, no socks) and keep you neck straight. between the two it can take off quite a bit.
Michael Crabtree measured out at 6’1 1/8, and was listed as 6’3. Lawerence Timmons was about the same – Tebow came out at 6’2 1/8 – most thought he was around 6’4
Solider: "Why is this godforsaken hellhole worth dying for?"
Captain Zapp Brannigan: "Don't ask me. You're the ones who are going to be dying."
It'll be hard for any WR to dominate receptions b/c
we have so damn many. The 4 upper-classmen will be the primary targets and will no doubt get theirs. But the under-classmen look ready to compete for touches.
Re Green & Tye, I’m just looking forward to seeing what they can do when they get the ball in their hands… each guy is going to be tough to bring down in space… I’m looking for some serious YAC out of them!
Championship!
Dent, Green and Haggins
were all recruited as ATHs b/c they were the best athletes on their teams. All of these guys have ridiculous athletic ability. Can’t wait to see them with the ball in their hands in space.
p.s. based on pics from the 4th Qtr drills, Haggins seems to have made the most progress in the weight room… the kid has really bulked up.
Championship!
Wouldnt mind seeing JWJ
Line up at WR and catch a couple of passes in space. Could you imagine a DB trying to bring him down?
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