Returning receiver production

My hope is Payton and Jordan get the bulk of targets, Pope gets some as the #3 guy and the rest gets split across the board.
 
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View attachment 112663
Harley 38 catches 485 yards 3 tds
Wiggins 20 catches 335 yards 4 tds
Mark pope 18 catches 266 yards 2 tds
Payton 1 catch 23 yards

I know some People like to scrutinize mark pope all the time but imagine if he played the same amount of reps as even just wiggins last year or 329 more reps which is how many Harley had over him in 2019. He would have easily eclipsed those stats statistically with that increased amount of Chances to make plays. Pope is one of my picks of breakout players this season
Jeremiah Payton.
 
Great post, @brock.

I, too, am of belief that this will be a breakout season for Pope. Pope being able to operate in space, like he will be able to do in Lashlees scheme, is something that I really looking forward to this season.

It also looks like he is putting in the extra work this off-season, which is a sign of maturity and a direct reflection of Pope witnessing the work ethic of Osborn, as those two developed a close bond.

People always talk about putting in the extra work. We’ll know if it’s true if he actually has any kind of muscle tone when Fall practice rolls around. Kid looks like he’s never seen the inside of a weight room. So does a lot of our team to be honest.
 
View attachment 112663
Harley 38 catches 485 yards 3 tds
Wiggins 20 catches 335 yards 4 tds
Mark pope 18 catches 266 yards 2 tds
Payton 1 catch 23 yards

I know some People like to scrutinize mark pope all the time but imagine if he played the same amount of reps as even just wiggins last year or 329 more reps which is how many Harley had over him in 2019. He would have easily eclipsed those stats statistically with that increased amount of Chances to make plays. Pope is one of my picks of breakout players this season
I said this before, but I was critical of Pope since all the way back to when he committed (and obviously got crucified with negs). I just didn’t see elite film.

But that Richt/Dugans regime placed such an emphasis on WR blocking that he stood no chance. Pope was an awful fit as a small, shake you in space guy. Harley is small, but yoked and has that dog in him. Our best WR blocker, whcih is why he’s played consistent snaps since he got here.

Idk what Pope’s problem was last year, but that offense was such an abortion that I’ll give him a pass. Which is why I am high on him this year. I’d pick him as my breakout player. Pure speculation, but I’d imagine he will be able to withstand the increased tempo - esp in the heat- as well and anyone on the roster, due to his size and style. I can see him breaking a few big plays late in games.

But I still see him as a boom or bust, splash play player. While his numbers should go up simply bc of more plays/opportunities, I’m not sure the stat increase will proportionally match the snap count increase. He isn’t a possession guy, and he isn’t really a bubble screen, just get it in his hands guy like a Tyreke Hill.

The real increase in production needs to come from Wiggins.
 
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I think it will be a WR/TE commitee approach, especially considering how important Lashlee views the TE to be in his scheme.
I only watched like 3 games worth of SMU film when Lashlee signed here, but I don’t recall an emphasis on TEs. Has he produced any decent TEs?
 
I only watched like 3 games worth of SMU film when Lashlee signed here, but I don’t recall an emphasis on TEs. Has he produced any decent TEs?
His TE last year at SMU, Grason, was 2nd on the team in receptions, 2nd in TD's, and third in receiving yards. Also, Lashlee has consistently stated how he thinks a versatile TE is vital to his offense because of the number of ways they can line up.

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