Remember when I talked about RB being loaded yesterday? Wide receiver, while maybe lacking the top-end talent of running back, had even more depth, with nine players that would have no problem seeing time in a game, maybe even as a starter. The poor offensive line meant that Chris Turner and Jamarr Robinson's time to get off the ball was greatly reduced, so the year for this group wasn't as good as it might've been otherwise.
They have the talent, though, and the future is bright.
Torrey Smith
Maryland's offensive piece de resistance, Smith was absolutely phenomenal for the first half of the year and decidedly mediocre the second half. Much of that can be attributed to teams trying to lock him down with double-coverage, but it was disappointing nonetheless. He doesn't appear to have the natural talent of Darrius Heyward-Bey, but he is more productive. He presents a real deep threat with his straight-line speed and his hands are usually reliable. His few long TDs early in the year showcased that, and he came up with big plays right when Maryland needed them. Later on, it was clear he was the best player on offense, and other teams doubled him. Losses against UVA and Duke can be attributed, at least partially, to a lack of touches for 82.
He'll definitely start next year, though. It's a tough choice for defensive teams - either double Smith and allow Maryland's other talented WRs to have no safety help, or single-cover Smith and let him beat any corner less than All-ACC status. With a settled QB situation, next year could be a big one for Torrey. He's probably hoping for Clay Belton to win the starting spot, as his big arm is perfect for nice, catchable deep balls.
Adrian Cannon
Despite defense's focus on Smith, Adrian Cannon never really impressed as much as he could've. In spring ball, he was by far one of the most promising WRs - big, strong, fast, good hands: what's not to like? For whatever reason, he wasn't as great as the preseason allowed us to believe. He was good for about 4 catches a game and about 10 yards a catch - not great production for someone with his natural skills, but okay. He was a wizard on that little WR screen, with a killer stepback that basically guaranteed him 10-to-12 yards every time it was run. What he didn't show was an ability to dominate even just at a play a time, an ability Maryland desperately needed.
He shows way too much potential to not start next year. Again, with a steady QB and defense focusing on Smith, next year could be the breakout year that fell through this year.
Ronnie Tyler
No player was more frustrating than Ronnie Tyler, not a single one, because no player was more inconsistent than Ronnie Tyler. On more than one occasion, he'd make an amazing, ridiculous, jaw-dropping catch that left you wondering how he did it. On more than one occasion, he'd drop a catch on a key play that him right on the hands - the JMU game is a perfect example. He has amazing body control and can go up and get the ball better than anyone else on the team, but he struggles with ones thrown right to him. That inconsistency makes him an iffy proposition to keep his starting spot. He has the talent, but big time drops on 3rd downs will get a guy off the field. That happened with Tyler: as the season wore on, his playing time wore down.
I'm not so sure he'll have the third WR spot next year. There's a lot of competition for it, and his inconsistency is troubling.
LaQuan Williams
None of the players from here down were on the field consistently, so their stats are average at best. Williams had a quiet year, and is still struggling to recapture his scintillating freshman season. With the amount of depth, players often rotated the fourth wide receiver spot, so his playing time was already limited; disappearing a few times didn't help. That said, 10 catches for 100 yards and a TD is a pretty good statline for a fourth WR.
Williams should challenge Ronnie Tyler for the slot. If he can show he's consistent, he'll offer something against Tyler and might, just might, steal that spot.
Kerry Boykins
Boykins is one of the more promising wide receivers. A former four star out of the talent rich 757, Boykins saw limited playing time toward the middle of the season. He showcased decent hands to pair with solid speed, size, and route-running, though his playing time was hurt by an inability to hold onto the ball once he had it. Against MTSU, he had two huge, clutch catches, one of which was for a first down. A few weeks later, against UVA, he had two huge drops and a fumble that resulted in a ten yard loss. The UVA game marked the end of his PT; he'll have a chance to redeem himself next year.
Boykins has the natural talent to challenge Ronnie Tyler and LaQuan Williams for the third spot. I'd be surprised to see him get it because he has Ronnie Tyler syndrome himself, but he's only a freshman - those mistakes can be expected.
Quintin McCree
Quiet year for McCree, which was a little unexpected after his dominant spring game. He saw few catches and less playing time.
He'll likely lose his spot to Kevin Dorsey on the depth chart next year, and maybe even to Tyrek Cheeseboro or Brandon Coleman, should Maryland pull that off.
Kevin Dorsey
Dorsey, already pretty well loved by most Maryland fans, saw the advent of his playing time as Boykins lost his. He was quiet; only one of his catches went for more than 4 yards, though it was an important 13 yarder against VT.
After Williams (and to a lesser extent, Tyler) the entire WR corps is a big jumble. He has the talent to compete, just as everyone else does. I wouldn't be surprised to see a transfer or two this offseason.
Emani Lee-Odai
Empty statbook for Emani. ELO had a stranglehold on a starting spot in spring practice, but was hampered by injuries. He can run like a gazelle, though his hands are average. I'm pretty sure the nagging injuries followed him into the season; otherwise, I have to imagine he would've seen the field more.
Tony Logan
Despite being talented and getting plenty of time returning punts, Logan never really saw the field as a WR. He could, though, next year.
The Future
Everyone I listed? They're coming back. Rejoice!
Lots of talent and depth here. The keys will be a) the line, to give the QB time to throw, b) the QB, who needs to be able to make the throw, and c) the scheme, which should embrace the talent and depth at the skill positions. If those three things come through, these guys will thrive.