2014 Preview: Wide Receivers
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Shane Wynn will lead a talented but inexperienced Hoosier receiving corps.
Written By Quai Chandler
With continuing coverage of the Indiana Hoosiers we now take an in depth look at the wide receivers. Although the Hoosiers have lost two big time player makes to the NFL (Kofi Hughes, and Cody Latimer) they will still be in good hands. Here are some of the players who will pick up the slack in an attempt to continue Indiana’s tradition of electric passing offense.
Shane Wynn, Senior-
Overview
5-7/167 Wynn is the first player in Indiana history with receiving (17), punt return (one), kick return (one) and rushing (one) scores in his career. He became the 18th Hoosier to reach 100 receptions and 1,000 yards. On IU's career lists, Wynn is third in kick return yardage (1,610), tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns (17), tied for eighth in catches (133), 10th in all-purpose yardage (3,270) and 17th in receiving yardage (1,490)
Strengths
With incredible Speed, quickness, and agility Wynn is a hassle for defenders in the open field. He can make incredible catches down the field or over the middle, and despite his size he is not afraid of contact. Wynn is poised to be the Hoosiers number one receiver.
Weaknesses
Size has been the issue with Wynn, however besides this he doesn’t have many limitations as a football player. If he puts his mind to something on a football team, there is a good chance it will get done. Switching to the outside receiver position could have an adjustment period.
Isaiah Roundtree, Senior
Overview
5-11/197 Appeared in all 12 games ... made 14 catches for 136 yards with one touchdown ... returned five kickoffs for 104 yards ... posted first career receiving TD in win over Penn State ... collected a pair of grabs for 30 yards at Michigan State ... brought back three kicks for 66 yards at No. 17 Wisconsin ... moved from running back to wide receiver during spring practice ... earned a scholarship for the 2013 season during preseason camp
Strengths
Roundtree is a treat with his illusiveness in the open field. He has worked on his route running and endurance on the football field, and can line up as a running back and get a crucial first down running the ball. He is very capable in the return game as well.
Weaknesses
Roundtree has had a limited role as a receiver, in the past, so it will be interesting to see if he can increase his production and adjust mentally to the new role that he will be given.
Nick Stoner, Senior-
Overview
6-1/190 Played in all 12 games ... made 12 receptions for 226 yards (18.8 average) with one touchdown ... also tallied four tackles on special teams ... pulled in first career TD from 44 yards in win over Indiana State ... recorded three grabs for a career-high 58 yards against Missouri ... netted 47 yards and two receptions at Michigan and 40 yards and a pair of catches in victory over Bowling Green ... IU special teams player of the week (Penn State) ... Academic All-Big Ten selection
Strengths
Nick Stoner is definitely one in the race for the title of fastest Hoosier, and with his ability to concentrate and make difficult catches he can be considered a possession receiver. He has also made some incredible plays on special teams.
Weaknesses
Stoner has not been the most physical or healthy of the Hoosier receivers and if he wants to make a splash this year he will have to work on both qualities.
Dominique Booth, Freshman-
Overview
6-1/205 Wide receiver for head coach Derek Moyers at Pike High School ... honorable mention Associated Press All-State his junior and senior seasons ... Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 and all-state as a junior ... three-time all-conference and all-county and two-time Indianapolis Star Super Team selection ... holds Pike career records for receptions (145), receiving yards (1,851) and receiving touchdowns (21)
Strengths
Big, strong, highly touted and excited to show his skills out on a Big Ten field, Booth could be a dangerous option for Indiana in 2014 and beyond.
Weaknesses
Youth, and quickness will be two things that could limit booth early on. As well as an adjustment to the physicality of a new level.
Ricky Jones, Sophomore-
Overview
5-10/195 Redshirted the 2012 season ... suffered a season-ending ankle injury after the season-opening win over Indiana State ... caught one pass for two yards and returned one kick for 12 yards against the Sycamores. Played in wins over Indiana State, Bowling Green and Purdue.
Strengths
Injuries have been an unfortunate part of Ricky Jones’ career so far however he is an incredible talent. If there is anyone who can match the quickness of Shane Wynn, and the physicality of Roundtree at the wide receiver position it will be Jones.
Weaknesses
Health has been the key to Ricky Jones’ success and will continue to be. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the playbook and finally having the role that he was expected to have as an incoming freshman.
More players to watch
Caleb Cornett, Freshmen Simmie Cobbs, as well as walk-on standouts Mitchell Paige, Damon Graham and Andre Booker are all posed to make important appearances this year at both the wide receiver positions and on special teams. Also, be on the lookout for a healthy and eager Isaac Griffith.