BC Wide Receiver Preview

The past few seasons BC has really struggled at the wide receiver position.  They lead the country in drop percentage in 2015, and only slightly improved last season.  However, things are looking up for this position group as they have 2 players with breakout potential, Jeff Smith and Michael Walker.  Smith, a former quarterback, is the fastest player on the team and can run by anyone.  Walker is a great possession receiver, and can gain yards after the catch.  BC has also has a good amount of depth behind this two as well. 

Michael Walker 
 2016 Stats: 33 Rec, 420 yards, 4 TD, 8 carries, 41 yards 

2017 Outlook: Walker spent his freshmen year mostly on special teams where he was the team’s leading kick returner. Last year, he took on a starting role at receiver and excelled.  Walker was a threat both threw the air and on the ground. He excelled with the ball in space and was able to get tough yards after the catch.  Look for BC to continue to try to get him involved, and use short passes and screen passes to accomplish this. 

Jeff Smith 
2016 Stats: 27 Rec, 395 yards, 3 TD, 35 carries, 195 yards, 1 TD 

2017 Outlook: Smith provides big play potential everytime he touches the ball.          This is something that BC has lacked out it its wide receivers since Alex Amidon graduated in 2013.  Smith is also an excellent runner and can be used out of the backfield or on reverses.  Smith played a decent amount of QB in the wildcat position, but I do not expect that to be used much this season, as both quarterbacks are better runners than Towles.  BC needs to use Smith on deep balls when the offense is stalling in games as a way to gain yards quickly.  The one major are where Smith needs to improve is his blocking.  While most of this is due to his smaller size, if he can improve his blocking, he will not need to leave the field. 

Charlie Callinan 
2016: 24 Rec, 286 yards, 1 TD 

2017 Outlook: Callinan has seen his protection remain steady throughout his 3 years at the heights, with his best season coming last year. Callinan is one of the tallest receivers on the roster, and provides a big target to throw to.  He also is the best blocking receiver on the team, and can be used when BC wants to go heavy. While Callinan won’t be the top guy at receiver, he provides a good third option. 


Others to Watch: Thadd Smith, Nolan Borgesen, Elijah Robinson, Ben Glines, Chris Garrison 

Overall: BC has a solid receiver core this season, but may remain underutilized due to QB struggles.  Smith and Walker are good starters and can make big plays out of nothing, whereas Callinan is the prototypical Daz receiver.  They also have good depth behind these three, with multiple guys having started games in the past.  While this group might not set offensive records, if the offense struggles, it will not be due to the receivers.