Texas Football 2011 Preseason Position by Position: Wide Receiver

by Scipio Tex on Aug 2, 2011 2:36 AM CDT in Texas Longhorns and Other Football

With Mike Davis serving as a reliable centerpiece, this group's ultimate production rests on what we get from a puzzling senior, a precocious freshman, and a talented unproven sophomore; supported by a solid cast of role players.

Let's dive in:

Mike Davis (6-1, 190) is the best receiver on the team and key to any offensive success we have in 2011. He’s also our most versatile pass catcher: nifty in the screen game, can make a tough catch inside, can run multiple routes, and capable of getting deep. He’s a wily athlete who amplifies above average physical traits with high football IQ and skill. While it’s Shipley that gets the plaudits for his purist’s game, Davis actually has a very similar profile. He wants to be good and isn’t shy about expressing it and we need some athletic pride on the offense to give it some sort of identity - particularly if the QB won’t provide it. He reminds me a lot of another Longhorn WR Mike - Mike Adams - though Davis has better hands and more consistency at the same stage. Chalk him up for 60+ catches.

Freshman Jaxon Shipley is a great complement to Mike Davis. Jaxon has better ball skills than his brother Jordan at the same stage (Jaxon is longer, with more of a basketball build), though he’s not as dangerous after the catch. Shipley should factor in heavily in the rotation early and I expect him to start in 3 WR sets by mid-season. No pressure or anything, Jaxon. His ability to get in and out of his breaks is outstanding and his overall knowledge of the position is unique, so handling the playbook shouldn’t be an issue. He’s not physically strong enough to handle an experienced college corner playing press coverage on him yet, so we’ll need to find ways to play him off of the line of scrimmage in the slot, in motion, and in 3-4 WR sets. Jaxon is a baller and should soon be a fan favorite.

With savvy guys like Shipley and Davis playing a prominent role moving the chains, the receiving corps needs a physical freak to emerge and generate fear and exploit physical mismatches outside - particularly when we max protect and chuck it. Last year, we were incapable of threatening a defense downfield and that must change. Enter Darius White. He has big potential as an outside threat with the ability to adjust to the ball in the air with a defender on him and still make a play. He’s our best basketball on grass candidate and though he's 6-2 200, he plays bigger. Though he’s inconsistent you have to play him and take your lumps because when the light does turn on, it’s going be bright. Put the playbook complexity on Shipley and Davis and line Darius up outside with some simple reads and he'll loosen things up.

Or maybe it will be Freak #2 - Malcolm Williams. The Great Potential enters his senior year. He’s 6-3, 230, fast, with a frame that you usually see on a DE. Anyone remember Jerry Porter? Malcolm also has inconsistent hands and between-the-ear problems. It’s not laziness or a lack of effort - Malcolm is trying. Being a receiver is more than just a compilation of combine measures. He can’t run full speed and catch and he isn’t particularly great out of his breaks. I also wonder if he has trouble grasping conceptual stuff. There are still ways to exploit an athletically gifted player who isn’t all that fluid but Williams hasn’t seen that offense. Had he played in a passing offense where he spent his time catching crossing routes that hit the big man on the move or deep posts where he can use his size and strength to shield defenders and look the ball in at an angle, maybe we’d regard him differently. HarsinWhite clearly wants to find some use for Williams, but how and where remain to be seen.

John Harris reminds me of former Longhorn Nate Jones, but we won't have to wait four years for his production. Strong possession receiver (6-2, 205) with good hands and the ability to put a defender on his hip and present a solid target in tight spaces. That’s a QB’s friend and every team needs at least one of these guys. He’s decently athletic after the catch (his senior year as a high school option QB helped him), so he may also have some YAC in him. I don’t think he’ll provide much over the top but he’ll be a contributor and I expect to see him play - essentially he's competing with Onyegbule and McNamara for this role.

DeSean Hales has suffered from not having a clearly defined role in the offense, but he has ability. Right now, his biggest issue is finding a place in which his skill set isn’t already duplicated by some other player and convincing the staff he's an every down receiver. We already know that he can be particularly useful in the screen and short passing game. He has always been game in scrimmages, but we haven't seen it on the field. Yet. His junior year would be a great time to start.

Chris Jones has a good speed and quickness profile paired with a really skinny body (6-0, 160) that needs 15-25 pounds to prevent him from being physically overwhelmed and rerouted by opposing DBs. If he sees time, I think it will be excelling in the screen game. Give him some time and patience.

Brock Fitzhenry will provide depth and special teams play.

Freshman Miles Onyegbule is John Harris redux. Big body (6-3, 210), reliable, acquired some balla skills playing option QB as a senior. He’ll redshirt. This is our obligatory big reliable guy with hands take - basically Dan Buckner without the equestrian fixation.

Junior walk on Patrick McNamara is not listed with a wink and he provides similar things to Harris and Onyegbule. He's a legit 6-3/6-4 210 with really good hands and some ball skills. Dude is a legitimate asset and I don't think his Spring game was a fluke. Obviously, any walk-on has a tough row to hoe to see the field, but he can legitimately get snaps, particularly near the goal line.

Summary

We've got a good mix of athletes with clearly defined roles as well as some generalists who can do a bit of everything. As at a few other positions (OT, DE, RB), we need some talented youngsters to come through and for an upperclassman to surprise us. I like this group's potential and I hope they can get the QB and OL play necessary to showcase their skills.

The schemes will be there.

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Comments

Loving this series you got going on, Scip. Looking forward to the rest. Also, can we expect any STOTUs this year?

by Kasey on Aug 2, 2011 3:38 AM CDT reply actions

Do you expect MW to line up at WR?

by sinless1 on Aug 2, 2011 3:53 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks Scipio, great stuff. Longtime reader, but I’m just coming around to posting over here.

I saw Malcolm Williams on campus during the spring, and I have to say, after everything I’ve read about our new HarsinWhite scheme (particularly LonghornScott’s excellent pieces), he really looks like a possible TE to me. He’s a big dude, and hopefully we can utilize him in some kind of blocking capacity. BFLT alluded to some kind of personal issues that he’s working through, and all I can say is that I wish him the best, and I hope he can contribute this year.

On an unrelated note, are the BC guys planning on putting out podcasts this year? I have to say I really enjoyed the last batch.

by TexasTopHand on Aug 2, 2011 5:50 AM CDT reply actions

I heard they were mailing out free BC iPods in brand new BC tote bags, but only to the first twenty people at the inaugural BC tailgate, and only if they agree to watch Trips’ kids for ten minutes when they arrive…

by uthookem on Aug 2, 2011 7:06 AM CDT reply actions

Uthookem, are these fake iPods from China? I hear they have several fake Apple stores there and wonder if the BC got a smokin deal. I agree you’ve got receiver talent, but the $64 question is who is going to get them the ball. OL protection will obviously have a good deal to do with that. Having a strong running game will help the passing game tremendously.

by Kilgore Trout on Aug 2, 2011 8:02 AM CDT reply actions

Sounds like Fitzhenry won’t be back.

by nordberg on Aug 2, 2011 8:37 AM CDT reply actions

I like Hales to excel (and accelerate) in the screen game in Goodwin’s stead. He’s shown good hands and even some toughness over the middle. Harsin likes to get his guys in space and if he can do that, maybe we’ll see this guy:

Please disregard the tranny singing.

by magnusbleuveigner on Aug 2, 2011 9:21 AM CDT reply actions

Scipio,

Any reason you left Marquise Goodwin out? Has he decided to hang up his cleats this season to train for the Olympics? I hadnt heard anything concrete yet.

by JTD on Aug 2, 2011 9:49 AM CDT reply actions

this is an excellent series. much appreciated.

i’m really liking the potential here. i think we start seeing some stars coming out. youngsters making a mark will help with the unbelievable wr recruiting class we hope we are putting the last touches on. four amazing talents. wow.

one note on mcnamara. i absolutely agree that he is legit, and i think the spring game was a valentine to us fans to watch for him. separate matter: look at the pic of mcnamara on mack’s site and tell me he isn’t a dead-ringer for quasimodo, uh, i mean marshall dillon. coupla links to help you along:

http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mcnamara_patrick01.html

http://www.ww2incolor.com/us-army/arness.html

now, with matt dillon on our side you gotta really like our chances.

by yeh on Aug 2, 2011 9:51 AM CDT reply actions

I think our weaknesses at TE and OT in pass protection and at QB with his slow windup (Gilbert) or lack of arm strength (McCoy) are going to limit our downfield game.

by bat on Aug 2, 2011 10:10 AM CDT reply actions

This series and LonghornScott’s opera have my Longhorn pants flying around the room in excitement.

We certainly have a diverse enough set of weapons out wide to be able to attack a defense with variety, even though questions abound for many of the youngsters (and, of course, the seniors as well). While I’m confident that we’ll have routes and packages tailored to our players’s specific strengths for the third time in the last 13 years (after Ricky, Keep Doing What You Did With Mike Deal’s Guys and Vince, Keep Doing What You Did At Madison), I’m interested in what the bread n’ butter HarsinWhite passing game looks and acts like. LHS’ pieces have given a window into the play action elements, which most of our guys should be able to execute with relative ease (skillethand-itis aside). What comes after that? I know an intelligent quick hitch/screen game plays a role and helps to further discombobulate edge defenders, but does Harsin like deep outs and tight end seams a la the Aikman/Irvin/Novacek Cowboys? Quick-hitting West Coast passing triangles? Deep rounded crossing routes like the ’99 Rams? It will be interesting to see how we work the passing game and marry it to the strengths of our recievers (and, of course our QB).

by nobis60 on Aug 2, 2011 10:14 AM CDT reply actions

I stashed my totebag under a table for safekeeping and I think those dudes from Bro Bible ganked it when Vasherized was trying to tell me that Gino’s was better than Pat’s. I was all, “omg.” and they were all, “yea! Bro Bible, bro!” Weird day.

by Dude on Aug 2, 2011 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

High praise for Jaxon. I’m as, if not more, excited about the WR corps in 2012/13 as any group we have. Mike D (if he’s still here in ‘13), D-Money, Lil’ Ship, one or both of JH/CJ (they totally need better nicknames), the J brothers in ’12. Throw in the Agholor and/or DGB as the cherry. Just, wow.

For ’11 though, the career numbers are a bit scary.

Williams – 80 receptions, 7 TDs
Davis – 47 receptions, 2 TDs
Hales – 11 receptions
White – 1 receptions

Heck, Justin Blackmon (111 receptions, 20 TDs last year) and Ryan Broyles (131 receptions, 14 TDs last year) pretty much matched that production in one season alone.

by jc25 on Aug 2, 2011 10:42 AM CDT reply actions

White only had one god damn catch last year? That was worth a year of eligibility. He should have started every game after, oh, say Iowa St.

by nordberg on Aug 2, 2011 10:46 AM CDT reply actions

Just knowing the new offense will at least occasionally get these guys the ball in a favorable situation (not standing still by the sideline or standing targetlike in the middle) with some open field and an advantage excites me. It would be fun to spend an afternoon listening to Applewhite and Harsin as they figure out how to overcome problems and exploit advantages in the coming season. If the OCs’ synergy has continued, I expect this offense to be fascinating to watch in each stage of development from “Ah, I see what they wanted to do there” to “Oh yea!! Go! Go!”

by RomaVicta on Aug 2, 2011 10:48 AM CDT reply actions

New offense, uncertain quarterback play, unproven offensive tackle play, primarily youth at receiver.

My concern for this wide receiver group is the requirement in the HarsinWhite offense for timing routes and extension of the field. That takes significant repetition in an offense where no quarterback is currently listed as the starter and no reasonable expectation that the line will excel at pass protection on the edges. Scheme and trickery will only get you so far. Talent and experience will ultimately come into play. Here’s hoping for steady improvement throughout the season.

by HangTenHorn on Aug 2, 2011 10:51 AM CDT reply actions

He should have started every game after, oh, say Iowa St.

It was really quite sad how our coaches failed to prep any of our underclassmen for the future after it was apparent the season was lost. Didn’t even try. I guess Mack was trying to save his binky’s job at that point.

by bigdukesix on Aug 2, 2011 11:45 AM CDT reply actions

bigdukesix sez:
It was really quite sad how our coaches failed to prep any of our underclassmen for the future …

Sad? Sad?? It surer’n hell was NOT “sad” – it was by-God inexcusable. Billed as a “rebuilding” year from the get-go, and it turned out to be a demolition year, instead.

Now, I’m not complaining about the results – I’m fantastically gruntled to be shed of GDGD – but once the year turned to shit, the genuine rebuilding damned well should have started, and most particularly with the less-than-enthusiastic upperclassmen getting some splinters in their butts.

Mack had that deer in the headlights look almost the whole season – you know, the one he used to get while 0u was hanging 60+ on us? I’ll tell you what: if he stays the hell out of the way, and Harsin and Diaz both pan out, and the fire’s back in the bellies, I’ll lay this at the feet of the Gods of Painful Lessons… and that’s what I’m expecting, and so are all the rest of you… but if it doesn’t work out? Katy, bar the door.

by Tex Long on Aug 2, 2011 12:04 PM CDT reply actions

Kasey -

Thanks. And yes.

sinless -

I think he’ll line up at a number of places. Check back during two a days. His spot may be contingent on the performance of others.

Texas Top Hand -

Absolutely will put out podcasts.

nordberg -

Also training for the Olympics.

DeSean -

I have Hales with the highest potential beta on the squad. Anything from 5 to 50 catches on the year wouldn’t surprise me.

JTD -

Goodwin plays for Team USA.

by Scipio Tex on Aug 2, 2011 12:39 PM CDT reply actions

yeh -

You have a point.

bat -

Check out LHS’ max protect stuff in his HarsinWhite feature. That’s our ticket.

nobis -

Run to open grass. Basically, they have route options that depend on a mutual read by QB and WR based on certain rules. We’ll see how much of that happens in Year 1.

jc25 -

The redshirting stuff is maddening. If you blow a guy’s shirt, play him. If you don’t want to play him, save him. I honestly don’t write about it anymore because it’s too damaging to my mental health.

Roma –

Amen.

by Scipio Tex on Aug 2, 2011 12:43 PM CDT reply actions

‘too damaging to my mental health’

no kidding. i pride myself on having a reasonably supple mind, but i cannot come close to fitting it to how we’ve wasted kids. my mind won’t stretch that thin.

by yeh on Aug 2, 2011 12:54 PM CDT reply actions

This discussion of the redshirts and lack of talent development is infuriating. The program was so constipated on the offensive side of the ball.

I have no idea what the offense is going to produce this year. Exciting and scary.

by Mano Cornuda on Aug 2, 2011 1:06 PM CDT reply actions

Can someone help me out? I thought Malcolm Williams was moving to Flex TE? Is that not happening? I thought it was a great move…

by Lukel2255 on Aug 2, 2011 1:28 PM CDT reply actions

Malcolm Williams was given a look at TE in the Spring.

And if he’s playing “flex TE”, he’s basically a de facto inside WR.

The TE move may have also been to clear rep space for D White if the coaches don’t expect him back for his senior season.

by Scipio Tex on Aug 2, 2011 1:43 PM CDT reply actions

does dj get a look split out here? it’s gotta be in the plans if he’s gonna get the ball more, right?

by mattdubya on Aug 2, 2011 1:45 PM CDT reply actions

supposedly malcolm williams has not attended any off-season team activities along with dominique jones per 24/7.

by eljinca on Aug 2, 2011 2:39 PM CDT reply actions

The biggest problem I see with our WR corps is our QB corps.

by Young Williams on Aug 2, 2011 4:17 PM CDT reply actions

eljinca,

It has been noted here and elsewhere that Malcolm had “personal issues” in the Spring. From what I gather, this can be parsed out as “baby-mama drama”. It sounds like he’ll be ready for the start of Fall camp.

Jones, on the other hand, seems to be failing his way into JC.

Someone else correct me if I’m wrong on either count.

by Garry Crowbar on Aug 2, 2011 6:10 PM CDT reply actions

Really curious to see how the addition of Darryl Wyatt impacts this group. Sure Harsin & Applewhite will put them in new schemes, but it’s Wyatt that can make the biggest difference here.

by Matt Cotcher on Aug 3, 2011 12:01 PM CDT reply actions

Would you rather have Malcolm Williams or Dan Buckner right now?

I really wanted to see Malcolm do well after his freshman year, but it just never worked out. I’d take Buckner.

by Sploop Ba Doop on Aug 3, 2011 11:30 PM CDT reply actions

I’d take Buckner as if I were astride a quarterhorse.

by Scipio Tex on Aug 4, 2011 12:52 AM CDT reply actions

Malcolm Williams is officially done, according to Mack at his presser.

by Blueshorn on Aug 4, 2011 3:09 PM CDT reply actions

Time to step up Darius White.

by Scipio Tex on Aug 4, 2011 3:18 PM CDT reply actions

What is the word on Malcolm Williams and the reason for his exit? Is it health related?

by t1climb1 on Aug 4, 2011 3:23 PM CDT reply actions

“Family issues”. The weirdest family issues ever, that allow you to attend spring practices but not participate, and to stay in school for the fall but not play football your senior year.

by nordberg on Aug 4, 2011 3:25 PM CDT reply actions

Yeesh. Time to step up, healthy-flex-TE-with-hands.

by Dagga Roosta on Aug 4, 2011 3:25 PM CDT reply actions

nordberg – I’ll take “Baby Mama Drama” for $500.

by Dagga Roosta on Aug 4, 2011 3:29 PM CDT reply actions

I really hate having to rely on a true soph who got dinged up last year and true freshman who hasn’t even practiced yet at this position for production. I was hoping MW would be our redemption player of the year.

by ut-06 on Aug 4, 2011 4:06 PM CDT reply actions

Redemption player of the year after GG, is probably what I should have said.

How much impact did Ship1 have his freshman year? I don’t remember it being much, but it’s been about 15 years since he was a freshman. ESPN shows he had 16 catches for 229 yards his freshman year (in 1893?!), 27 for 417 his 2nd year (is that the year he was injured?). As good as Davis was, he only got 478. I just have a hard time putting much faith in true freshman and can’t make myself believe he’s going to do much more than 300 yards.

If Davis doesn’t pull in 1000+, we’d better run the ball very well. I’m not sure anyone else on the roster is capable of putting up 500-800 yards to help support the passing game (D white had 1 reception last year, not jumping on that bandwagon yet).

by ut-06 on Aug 4, 2011 4:18 PM CDT reply actions

Scrip -
I like the talent and playmaking ability Darius White, Mike Davis (if one ignores his pussy-styled Spring game) and Malcolm (continuing to have high hopes for this one) bring to the team. Sure would be nice to have nice burner for a 4th. To be used as a part timer, the Spring game should have earned McNamara some reps with the 1s and 2s. WIll there be any discipline in route running, play to play effort level, fundamentals, etc. by these guys. or is new the receivers coach not any better than the last glad hander?

Not high at all on Shipley, yes is probably more knowledgable about the position than others, more consistent, etc. but just not B12 athletic. His brother was off the charts athletic in HS compared to his white peers, Jaxon not so much. Jaxon and Onyegbule shared the same experience of being shut down and dismantled by not Texas recruited ’Cane Safety Kacy Rodgers in HS (well, he played B team JV as a sophomore).

Pick your favorite Horns and do a one to one comparison with the ags Fuller, Swope and Nwachukwu. Not sure we match up too well.

by 3gentxn on Aug 11, 2011 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

3gen -

Williams is done.

When I watch these clips of Shipley, I think: Not athletic.

http://recruitocosm.fantake.com/2010/09/02/jaxon-shipley-vs-high-school-punt-coverage/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Of course A&M’s WR corps is better.

by Scipio Tex on Aug 11, 2011 10:03 PM CDT reply actions

Against Gatesville HS?? Come on now.

But Darius White in the UnderArmour game…

http://www.40acressports.com/2010/01/23/great-video-highlights-of-wr-darius-white-from-under-armour-game/

Bet if one went to the Katy ISD football site (http://www.ehsnkaty.net/Football_Videos.html) and watched some film, similar clips to JS (but against 5A talent) could be found.

by 3gentxn on Aug 15, 2011 4:34 PM CDT reply actions