2012 Rutgers Season "Preview": The Wide Receivers

Rutgers has had almost an embarrassment of riches over the years at the wide receiver position. With players like Tres Moses, Tiquan Underwood, Kenny Britt, Tim Brown, and Mohamed Sanu, the Scarlet Knights have had plenty of diverse weapons for the quarterback to utilize in the passing game. Wide receiver was supposed to be one of Rutgers' biggest strengths last year, but outside of Sanu, they were some what of a disappointment. Coming in to 2012, they still have a lot of talent at the position, and they even added 4 nice recruits, but group as a whole needs to be more focused and consistent in order to provide Gary Nova with the weapons he needs to succeed.

Brandon Coleman and Mark Harrison are the two starters and they are both big play deep threats with great size, but they have also been mired by inconsistency and drops. Coleman had a break out spring in 2011 and he made some big touchdown grabs during the season, but he only had 17 receptions overall. He looks to take up the mantle as the offense's number one receiver this year, but it has been more of the same from him so far, as he has hauled in 3 TD receptions, but only 4 total receptions. Harrison finished 2010 with a bang and almost eclipsed the 1000 yard plateau, but he has said that he lost focus last year as he struggled with drops and he only caught 14 balls. Both players have a world of potiential, but neither has really put it all together yet. Rutgers hasn't taken a lot of deep shots this year, maybe by design, but these players need to be used as vertical threats.

Quron Pratt and Tim Wright are the big, possession receivers who look to pick up the production left behind by Mohamed Sanu, especially on third down. Wright has struggled coming back from a knee injury he suffered two years ago, but he has been the primary third receiver so far, and he has had mixed results. He made a spectacular one handed grab against Tulane to convert a third down, but he has also struggled with drops. Pratt was second on the team in receptions last year, used primarily going across the middle on third down, but he has not seen the field a ton this year, and like everyone else, he has dropped a pass. One of these players will need to step up and be the sure handed, reliable guy for Nova on third down.

Miles Shuler, Leonte Carroo and Jeremy Deering should also see a lot of time at receiver, but none of these three have really been used so far. Deering is a slot guy who can do a lot of things, including run the ball. He made some plays as a receiver his freshman year, and hopefully they figure out some way to get the ball in his hands on offense. Shuler is a burner who had a really good camp, but like Deering, they haven't been able to get the ball in his hands. He is raw as a receiver, and he probably should have red shirted last year, but he has enough talent to make an impact in some way. Carroo is a true freshman who could be red shirted, but he should see the field as a big possession receiver who could be a weapon on third down.

Paul Carrezola takes over the starting tight end role form D.C. Jefferson, and he is a solid blocker who could contribute a little as a receiver. He hasn't played yet this year, but if he's healthy, he could be a security blanket for Nova. Jefferson is a tremendous blocker who is also a huge, athletic target, although he hasn't contributed much as a pass catcher. Tyler Kroft is the youngster at the position, and he is a smooth receiver.

Ruhann Peele, Ian Thomas, and Carlton Agudosi other freshman who provide some size and speed. This position is well stocked for the fututre.

Rutgers has a ton of talent at this position, but they need to be more consistent, catch the ball better, and hope some people finally put it together and become reliable. One of these players has to step up and be the go to guy for Gary Nova to rely on in all situations. If they struggle at this position like they have so far, it won't be because of a lack of talent or depth.