Latest news with #WideReceivers
Yahoo
19 hours ago
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ESPN Names Florida's 'Area of Concern' Ahead of 2025 College Football Season
ESPN Names Florida's 'Area of Concern' Ahead of 2025 College Football Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Florida Gators are coming off a very up-and-down season in 2024. Finishing with an 8-5 record and a Gasparilla Bowl victory, head coach Billy Napier and Florida are looking to come back stronger in 2025, with hopes of a College Football Playoff berth. Advertisement Quarterback DJ Lagway is entering his second year with the Gators after an impressive freshman season. He went 6-1 as a starter, filling in for an injured Graham Mertz, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. Lagway's top two targets from a year ago are both gone after graduating, which has caused college football experts to question Florida's wide receiver group. Earlier this week, ESPN released its area of concern for Top 25 teams going into the season, naming the Gators' wideouts as their main concern. Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) gestures with Florida Gators offensive lineman Knijeah Harris (77) and Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber (58) after a first down against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images "One of the reasons Florida is expected to improve in 2025 is because of the talent that quarterback DJ Lagway brings," ESPN's Harry Lyles Jr. said. "But the Gators' top receivers from last season, Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike, left for the NFL." Advertisement Badger led the Gators with 806 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2024. He also topped Florida's receiving corps with 20.7 yards per catch. This was Badger's only season in Gainesville after transferring from the Arizona State Sun Devils. As for Dike, he moved to Florida last year from the Wisconsin Badgers and had a team-high 42 receptions for 783 yards and two scores. "Eugene Wilson III is back, but also coming off season-ending hip surgery," Lyles continued. "It will be up to Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, Naeshaun Montgomery and J. Michael Sturdivant (UCLA transfer) to help establish themselves." Wilson played just four games last year due to injury, but promises to be the lead wideout for Lagway in 2025. Brown, Wilson and Montgomery are freshmen joining Napier's squad this year. Wilson and Brown were the No. 2 and 3 receivers in the country, respectively, by On3 and Rivals. Sturdivant was one of the top transfer receivers in the nation this offseason after spending the past two years with the Bruins. He combined for 912 yards and six touchdowns in two seasons at UCLA. Advertisement With this core of imposing wide receivers, it should be interesting to see how productive they are in Lagway's first year as a full-time starter. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Titans 53-Man Roster 2025: The WR roster lock you don't know about, the battle for the seventh spot, and the fate of the rest
Titans 53-Man Roster 2025: The WR roster lock you don't know about, the battle for the seventh spot, and the fate of the rest originally appeared on A to Z Sports. How the Tennessee Titans finish their WR room is a big question mark heading into training camp, and that decision could shape the future of this roster. Advertisement This is the second WR portion of an ongoing article series, breaking down the Titans projected 53-man roster one position at a time. So far we've covered the offensive tackles, the interior offensive line, quarterbacks, Kalel Mullings' role, Tyjae Spears' most important season ever, and Tony Pollard's potential ceiling. In this installment, let's discuss how Brian Callahan & Co. will round out this room: Wide Receivers Calvin Ridley Van Jefferson Elic Ayomanor Chimere Dike Tyler Lockett Bryce Oliver Xavier Restrepo Cut: James Proche, Colton Dowell, Treylon Burks, Jha'Quan Jackson, Mason Kinsey, TJ Sheffield Bryce Oliver Is The Lock Nobody Is Talking About Last call to board the Bryce Oliver train, friends. Because this locomotive is leaving the station in 2025. Advertisement NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell talked about how Oliver is a lock to make this team on Nashville radio last week after spending mandatory minicamp inside the Titans building, and from what I've heard, he isn't wrong. The 2nd year UDFA really endeared himself to the coaching staff last year when he was made a gunner on special teams and used on the offense down the stretch. He impressed in both roles, and Brian Callahan hasn't been shy about the fact that they feel he could be the new NWI for this franchise. Every team could use a built, strong, willing blocker in the receiver room who has reliable hands and is a valuable contributor on special teams. And Bryce Oliver is capable of doing all of those things at a very high level. Throw in the fact that he's got another gear in the speed department that NWI never had, and I think he's set to take the mantle and run with it for the next couple of years in two tone blue. He's making this team, people. More on his role linked here. Restrepo, Proche, Or Neither? To keep a 7th receiver, or to not keep a 7th receiver. That is the question. The Titans receiver room feels relatively established except for what happens on the back end. Could they keep just six and go heavier on the OL? Sure. But two players in particular stand out as possible reasons to keep a 7th, and their names are Xavier Restrepo and James Proche. Advertisement Restrepo is a fascinating case study. He's a slot-only player. It's doubtful he'll bring anything on special teams. And so he's a limited asset. But what he did in college is what we've seen him do in Titans practice so far: get open, get targets, and get upfield. Sometimes guys are just ball players! If he has an impressive August, I think he's on the team more likely than not. And then there's James Proche. He's a 'break glass in case of emergency' player on this roster. He was brought in to be a special teams ace, particularly in the return game. But the hope is that somebody with more offensive potential—specifically, Chimere Dike—can earn the returner role that he'd fill. If this team reaches the end of August and still needs a returner, James Proche will make this team. But if they have somebody they trust, he's a redundancy. In the end, as reflected in my roster projection, I feel strongly that this team keeps 7 receivers. And I feel less strongly about Xavier Restrepo being that seventh man. Sifting Through The Leftovers And then there were six. These cut candidates aren't all created equal, however. Advertisement Proche is what he is, as discussed above. The '9th' receiver on my depth chart that I'll be keeping an eye on in training camp is Colton Dowell. He's been out-of-sight, out-of-mind for Titans fans most of his career. But now that he's healthy, I don't think it's impossible for him to carve out a role for himself on special teams. If that's the case, he becomes harder to cut. He feels like a prime practice squad candidate to me. As does Mason Kinsey, who is a co-captain in Tennessee's bespoke offseason program. The same reason he's stuck around all this time in Nashville is the reason he'll stick again (if he doesn't get grabbed elsewhere)—he's useful. And then there's what I will call, lovingly, the riff-raff. TJ Sheffield did well to earn himself a spot on the 91-man roster in rookie minicamp. I think the road ends for him after August. Burks isn't somebody the Titans need to continue on with in 2025. And while it may feel premature, the same goes for Jackson. It's time for a change on both fronts. Related: 'I'm healthy as I've ever been' — L'Jarius Sneed speaks for the first time on his rehab and mindset ahead of crucial 2025 season Related: 'You have to assume' NFL analyst drops nugget on Titans wide receiver as a dark horse roster lock to make the team in 2025 View the original article to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Titans 53-Man Roster 2025: Two free agents but only one lock, the veteran receivers you're glad you have but hope you don't need
Titans 53-Man Roster 2025: Two free agents but only one lock, the veteran receivers you're glad you have but hope you don't need originally appeared on A to Z Sports. Let's talk about two Tennessee Titans who are a bit of an anomaly. Advertisement This is the first WR portion of an ongoing article series, breaking down the Titans projected 53-man roster one position at a time. So far we've covered the offensive tackles, the interior offensive line, quarterbacks, Kalel Mullings' role, Tyjae Spears' most important season ever, and Tony Pollard's potential ceiling. In this installment, let's discuss the role that the veteran receivers outside of Calvin Ridley will be playing in 2025: Wide Receivers Calvin Ridley Van Jefferson Elic Ayomanor Chimere Dike Tyler Lockett Bryce Oliver Xavier Restrepo Cut: James Proche, Colton Dowell, Treylon Burks, Jha'Quan Jackson, Mason Kinsey, TJ Sheffield The Veterans You're Glad You Have, But Hope You Don't Use The Titans offense is defined by youth in 2025. They hope their 2nd-year, 7th overall draft pick JC Latham becomes their best lineman this season. And beyond him, it's the rookie show: Cam Ward, Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, Gunnar Helm, and Xavier Restrepo(?) headline what should be an exciting infusion of rookie talent into the fold. But the front office went into the draft with some veteran insurance, and what they do with that help now that the youth is exciting will be telling. So what's the plan with Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson? Advertisement Before training camp begins, I think Lockett has the higher ceiling, but Jefferson is the roster lock. This is merely a quirk of roster dynamics, so let me explain. Tyler Lockett is a household name in NFL circles for a reason. He's put together a 10 year career as a Seattle staple, tallying 8500+ total yards and over 60 touchdowns. That's a really good career! But the reason I want to pump the brakes on the hype with him just a little bit is the very fact that he is now a Titan, not a Seahawk. When teams move off of franchise staples like Tyler Lockett, that typically comes with a pretty good reason. Lockett was and is a Seattle legend. He spend a decade there as a receiver! That's extremely rare. And when he hit free agency this year, both the team and the fanbase sent him well wishes. They saw him off without hesitation. When that happens with somebody like him, it immediately makes me suspicious. Yes, last year he tallied just shy of 50 catches for over 600 yards. If he does that for Tennessee this year, it would be a real success! But he's 32 years old coming off of three consecutive seasons of decline. Eventually, the end comes for everybody. So while I think he'll contribute for Tennessee in some form or fashion in 2025–perhaps even as the 2nd option in this offense for a brief period of time—I don't expect a ton from him this year. Advertisement Then, there's Van Jefferson. I think he's a roster lock. But his role on this team will be as a role player. Yes, there's a chance he is WR3 in this offensive for a moment in time. But will it last? I seriously doubt it. He's going to ultimately be a WR4/5/6 on this team. He's going to play a part on special teams, which is important. And he's going to be a veteran failsafe that makes you feel more secure on Sundays. That's all you should expect from him this year, and that's fine! If he comes up big in a couple big spots, that's a win for this roster. Related: 'I'm healthy as I've ever been' — L'Jarius Sneed speaks for the first time on his rehab and mindset ahead of crucial 2025 season Related: 'You have to assume' NFL analyst drops nugget on Titans wide receiver as a dark horse roster lock to make the team in 2025 View the original article to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steve Sarkisian Discusses Why He Feels 'Great' About Texas' WR Room
Steve Sarkisian Discusses Why He Feels 'Great' About Texas' WR Room originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Texas Longhorns will field several new faces in key roles this season. A few of those will make up Texas' wide receiver room after the departures of Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and Silas Bolden to the 2025 NFL Draft this offseason. Two true freshmen and one transfer could now be in line to fill those roles. Advertisement Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian joined the Always College Football podcast this week with Greg McElroy and he sounds extremely confident in the unit heading into the 2025 season. "I feel great about that room. I don't feel good about it. I feel great about that room. Probably better than most people do on the outside," Sarkisian said. Sarkisian specifically noted his confidence in wide receivers Ryan Wingo, DeAndre Moore, and transfer Emmett Mosley. Outside of those crucial players, the Longhorns have solid depth with true freshmen Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench, and redshirt freshmen Parker Livingstone and Aaron Butler. Advertisement "Ryan Wingo's a budding star," Sarkisian said. "He's big, he's physical, he's fast." Wingo is in line to take over as the No. 1 wide receiver for first-year starting quarterback Arch Manning. However, Sarkisian is known to spread the ball around and several of these players will have to make clutch plays in big-time moments. Texas will kick off the season with a monster matchup against Ohio State in Columbus on Aug. 30. Related: Steve Sarkisian Delivers Confident Message on Season Opener at Ohio State This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How The Drake London And Darnell Mooney One-Two Punch Works For The Falcons
How The Drake London And Darnell Mooney One-Two Punch Works For The Falcons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. London and Mooney are both coming off great seasons where Mooney had 992 yards and London had 1,271. With Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback for 2025, there's a higher chance that both will crack 1,000 yards, and both can have pro bowl level seasons. Advertisement While the one-two punch worked in 2024, it did not put them over the slump, but in 2025 both players will be looking to have their best seasons as pros. London is the clear first option, but Mooney has proven himself to be a very valuable second option on the Falcons. Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London celebrates his touchdown Hartline-Imagn Images London had his breakout season in 2024 where he arguably should have been a pro bowler, and he had career numbers all across the board. Mooney on the other hand, had his best season since 2021 when he had his sole 1,000-yard season. The Falcons have a good receiving core, which includes Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge, who both look to have career years in 2025 as well. This core can open up plenty of opportunities all around the board for London and Mooney to have 1,000-yard seasons with minimal struggle. Advertisement London and Mooney will both be looked at as Wide Receiver ones by opposing teams, since either player can have a big game at any point. They can both open the game in many ways, get open deep and out run defenders. Those are some of the important traits that will have them helping the Falcons a lot in 2025. The Wide Receiver core for the Falcons is one of the most intriguing in the league and can all make waves this season. Related: Falcons Have The Highest Expectations They've Had In Years Related: How The Falcons Can Balance Their Offense In 2025 Better Than They Did In 2024 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
