Grambling’s receivers last season stood out as an efficient, if not terribly spectacular, group.
Thing is, we’re used to spectacular.
Every important receiving record at Grambling has been rewritten since 2000, most of them since the 2004 arrival of Clyde Edwards — who set school marks for receptions in a season, career receiving yards and touchdowns in a season in a career that lasted through 2007. Scotty Anderson left in 2000 with records for receptions in a career and longest reception. Henry Tolbert boasted a ground-breaking career, highlighted by 2005′s pyrotechnics. Tramon Douglas set a standard with 17 catches in one game back in 2003 — and set a SWAC record with 1,704 yards over the 2002 season.
Then came 2008.
As Grambling sorted out its quarterback situation, and then adapted to the multiple attack that comes so fluidly to eventual starter Greg Dillon, the receiver unit became less of a focus. No individual player could boast 50 catches, and the team’s top two receivers — Nick Lewis and Kiare Thompson — didn’t have 1,000 yards combined. Lewis, in fact, had the lowest total of receiving yards by a top performer at Grambling since Corey Caesar’s 539 yards in 1997.
Still, Lewis’ graduation leaves the program wanting for more big, playmaking talent at wideout.
Grambling might just have gotten that guy.
Its latest signee is Nick Jones, a 6-3, 180-pound receiver from Southern Durham in Rod Broadway’s native North Carolina. Jones, who ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash at the 2008 Shrine Bowl Combine last April, was credited with 281 yards and three touchdowns last season. His team went 9-4, advancing to the second round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Class 4-A playoffs.
Jones arrives as the biggest new prospect of a bunch that includes Elon Grinstead (6-2/200; Tioga, La.; named 18th best preseason prospect in the state by Dandy Don), Terry McGill (5-9/160; McDonough 35, New Orleans; a zippy trackster); Ledavius Perry (6-2/180, Arcadia, La.; a prep quarterback who projects as a college athlete); D.J. Jones (unannounced receiver out of Northside in Lafayette, La.); and athlete Deonte Flemings (5-10/170; Erie, Pa.; two-time AP Pennsylvania Class 3A All-State).
Grambling is expected to start camp on Monday with returning receiver Thompson (25 catches/310 yards), tight end Larry Donnell (18/235) and reliable running-back targets Kenneth Batiste (25/206) and Frank Warren (21/183). None fit the slightly undersized profile of record-smashing slot guys like Edwards/Douglas/Tolbert. But with a quarterback like Dillon — who is, after all, slightly undersized himself — I think you want a taller target anyway.
That’s why, in the near term, I like the 6-2, 205-pound Van Phillips’ chances to shine. Though he only had 11 catches for 161 yards in 2008, Phillips is a physical player, with good hands.
A four-sport athlete at Shades Valley in Irondale, Ala., the rising sophomore began his prep career as a tight end before switching to receiver — where he pulled down 56 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns as a senior.
Good Job Coaches looking for a big season out of the receivers hope they are eligble
Meat & potatoes! Give me a big physical receiver to expose the middle of the field of most SWAC defenses.
I saw GSU play about eight games last year. I saw the the recvs. doing what they were asked to do.
There was not alot of of field strecthing plays called.Dillion was good at doing what he was asked to do – first two options were to run,the third option was to pass.GSU was throwing the the ball 40-50 times a game with Clyde and Co.
Dunlap is correct. I like Nick's pick with the Phillips kid.He started about seven of the games I saw. I would like to see them attempt to get him the ball about ten times a game and see what happens. Thompson&Baptise have game breaker talent.
Let's see how the new wide out coach use all of these talented receivers. If he's the man like I hear he is, it's going to be some sad faces this season!
You are right Carlos if these guys are eligble and this guy is a big time coach, faces will drop.
I think the main thing he is going to coach these young men up on is seperation from the defender. It's one thing to run your route, but it's another thing to run your route and break away to find seperation to create an open pass! These are some very talented group of young men. They already have raw talent and Grambling is good at coaching that up. We will get a taste of it come the Black and Gold game.
There is some BIG news about to come from New Jersey! Stay tuned, PLAYMAKERS BABY
HOLLYGROVE I dont have patience, im ready to hear the news now if it's BIG TIME PLAY MAKERS. Hope they are elgible.
Are they coming to Grambling?
Success as a receiver is planned. It takes long hours on the field and in the film room. Knowledge of the game will trump physical gifts any day. Look at the list of the greats since 2000. None were faster than 4.5 or bigger than 6'5". It's what you are willing to put into your craft that makes the difference.
Nick, who are the big time playmakers that HOLLYGROVE talked about?
I see the kids listed as possible recievers for next season. What about the kid from Evangel in Shreveport. After watching him on Youtube, I am thinking that this guy is the real deal. Is he still coming to GSU? I believe his name is Thomas Bridgewater.