2022 Spring IUFB Position Battles- Wide Receiver

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers have started their spring practice session and one of the biggest questions facing the team is who will step up at the wide receiver position. IU had plenty of turnover at the position and now will be looking for a new wide receiver coach after Grant Heard bailed for UCF just days before spring practice started in Bloomington. The Hoosiers leading returning receiver is D.J. Matthews, but after losing Ty Fryfogle to the NFL Draft and Miles Marshall, Camron Buckley and Jordyn Williams among others to the transfer portal, it is time to see who can make their mark in spring practice and get a leg up on the competition for the starting spots this fall.

The Players

D.J. Matthews, Graduate Student- Matthews was the Hoosiers most dynamic playmaker over the first three-plus games of the season before tearing his ACL against Western Kentucky. Over those four games he grabbed 13 passes for 165 yards and was just looking like he was hitting his stride when he got hurt. If healthy, Matthews is the sure starter in the slot and returning punts. He gives the offense a dimension they missed most of last year with his speed and agility.

Emery Simmons, Senior Transfer from UNC- Simmons was a one-time IU commit, but ended up in Chapel Hill instead. He has 30 games of experience along with 14 starts. He has 30 career receptions for 516 yards and three touchdowns. He is a big play receiver who may just need more opportunities to show what he can do. At six-foot-one and 187 pounds, he can play outside or inside for IU gives them an experienced receiver to help balance the room.

David Baker, RS Sophomore- Baker missed most of the 2021 season with an injury and has played in just one game over his first two seasons at IU. His six-foot-three frame gives him good size and he’s healthy this spring. Now is the time for Baker to make his mark in trying to make the rotation, or at least get on to the field more on special teams.

Cam Camper, JR, Junior College Transfer- Camper can take the top of the defense and if the quarterbacks get time to throw, he’ll do that at IU as well. At Trinity Valley, Camper made 50 catches for 858 yards and four touchdowns over his two seasons there. If Camper can show that ability on the deep ball, he could find his way into the starting lineup. 

Jaquez Smith, RS Freshman- Smith was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and redshirted the 2021 season. It was very surprising to see him not make an appearance down the stretch for IU as he could have played in four games and still preserved his redshirt. He came to IU with the reputation as a trusted pass catcher who can get open, but not necessarily blow by people. He should be one of the youngsters who can take advantage of the spring and emerge as a rotation candidate.

Javon Swinton, Junior- Swinton is one of the few returning wide outs who saw action last season. He played in 11 games last season including one start. Swinton caught 15 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. He also made an impact on special teams. As a freshman, he played in all eight of IU’s games. Swinton brings experience and some playmaking ability, but will need to fight off some newcomers for the starting spot.

Malachi Holt-Bennett, Sophomore- The only freshman receiver to get extensive playing time, Holt-Bennett played in eight games for the Hoosiers and made one catch, a 29-yard score against Minnesota. A bigger receiver a six-foot-three, Holt-Bennett is set up nicely to take the next step into the starting role should he have a good spring.

Prediction

The Hoosier wide receiver battle will not be settled this spring, especially with the coaching change at the position and that spot not being filled yet. However, Allen does anticipate a hire in the upcoming weeks and having 10 or so practices with a new coach will give this group a leg up on the two freshmen that will join in the fall in Omar Cooper and Kamryn Perry. The Hoosiers also have three walk-ons who will have a chance this spring as well in Christian Harris, who has played a lot on special teams, McCall Ray and Eli Jochem. One can pencil in D.J. Matthews as a starter, but beyond that it is wide open and will be settled in fall camp.