Replacing the school’s all-time leading receiver along with the only John Mackey Award winner in school-history won’t be easy, but that’s what Florida State will be facing in 2015. The wide receiver position is one where the Seminoles are youngest, but the good news is it’s also one of FSU’s deepest positions.
The Seminoles have a number of guys hoping to make bigger impacts as pass-catchers this season. With the start of the 2015 season just over a month away, here’s a look at the names to know at the wide receiver position:
The Headliner
Travis Rudolph, Sophomore
Florida State’s leading returning receiver, Travis Rudolph didn’t come on until October last season. Rudolph quickly emerged as the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Rashad Greene. Like Greene, Rudolph is a smooth route-runner, deceptively fast and has good size at 6’2″ and 190 pounds.
Rudolph finished with 555 yards receiving and four touchdowns last season, but all but 40 of those yards came after the first four games. Though the Seminoles were embarrassed in the contest, Rudolph closed the season strong with six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown in a Rose Bowl loss to Oregon.
The Sleeper
Ja’Vonn Harrison, Sophomore
After just a catch for 9 yards last season, Ja’Vonn Harrison could have a major impact for FSU in 2015. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Harrison high-points the ball very well and is a guy that can stretch the field. Harrison got buried on the depth chart last season, but should be one of the Seminoles’ top targets this upcoming season.
The Future
George Campbell, Freshman
A 5-star prospect from Clearwater, George Campbell looks to make an immediate impact for FSU. Campbell showed an ability to get behind defenders in the spring game, but at 6’3″ and 200 pounds, Campbell has the size to go over the middle and move the chains as well.
Other Names to Know
Ermon Lane, Sophomore
A highly-touted recruit out of South Florida, Ermon Lane looks to make a bigger impact after catching 13 passes for 267 yards and a score as a true freshman. Lane takes big strides and has excellent size, but did struggle a bit a season ago with drops. If Lane can shore up that issue, many are expecting him to be one of FSU’s top two receivers.
Jesus Wilson, Junior
After just three catches as a freshman, Jesus “Bobo” Wilson became an important contributor for FSU in 2014. Wilson is small at 5’9″ and 180 pounds, but has blazing speed and made major strides as a route-runner. Wilson will likely spend most of his time in the slot this season, but still gives FSU big play ability.
Kermit Whitfield, Junior
Perhaps the fastest player in the ACC, Kermit Whitfield will always be regarded as a hero by FSU for his fourth quarter kickoff return for a touchdown against Auburn in the 2013 title game, but as a receiver, Whitfield has struggled to make his presence felt. Whitfield has a tough time getting downfield against physical defensive backs and finished with just 11 catches last season. Expect Whitfield to have a bigger role this season, but to be used primarily on drags, screens and jet-sweeps.
Mavin Saunders, Redshirt Freshman (Tight End)
A redshirt freshman, Mavin Saunders will likely be the guy tasked with replacing All-American Nick O’Leary. Saunders looks to have the edge over Ryan Izzo and Jeremy Kerr for the starting tight end spot after catching six passes for 91 yards and a touchdown in the spring game. Saunders is 6’6″ and 260 pounds, but is an excellent athlete and should be able to contribute as a pass-catcher this season.
Overview
When it comes to the wide receiver position, Florida State should feel pretty good. The Seminoles are young at the position, but very deep with at least six players likely to contribute there this year. Travis Rudolph, Ermon Lane and Ja’Vonn Harrison are all big receivers who can run while Jesus Wilson and Kermit Whitfield are two of the faster players in the ACC. True freshmen George Campbell, Da’Vante Phillips and Auden Tate all have the ability to be stars long-term and could even contribute this year. With all-time leading receiver Rashad Greene gone, the question for FSU looks to be more of a case as to who will emerge rather than whether someone will.
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