Wide receiver week is in full swing here at Duck Sports Authority and today we take a look at the best in the Pac-12. Analysts A.J. Jacobson and Dale Newton weigh in on which wideouts we think are the league’s best going into the 2017 campaign.
This list could be a whole lot different if Washington’s John Ross and USC’s JuJu Smith-Schuster had stayed in college for another year. But of course out in Pac-12 country it is a matter of reloading and the league once again is represented by a deep array of talent at this position, many of whom are destined for NFL careers of their own.
Here are Duck Sports Authority’s Top Pac-12 wide receivers heading into the 2017 season:
#1 Dante Pettis - UW
Nobody here at DSA consistently roots for the Huskies but this is football analysis, not a popularity contest. Pettis had 53 catches last year for 822 yards with 15 touchdowns. Explosive returner also--took two punts to the house last season.
He benefits from a veteran quarterback in a loaded offense, and the presence of Chico McClatcher as the slot receiver discourages teams from overloading his side. The loss of his running mate John Ross to the NFL will not help his numbers this year.
Last season vs. Oregon: 8 rec, 134 yards, 2 TDs
#2 N'Keal Harry - ASU
Harry made his way onto this list based on sheer talent because he did not play for a very good team as a true freshman last year. His only problem besides that is instability at quarterback. The dude is 6-4, 220, megatron-sized, strong and physical with great hands. As a true freshman, he grabbed 58 passes for 659 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Last season vs. Oregon: 3 rec, 38 yards, TD
#3 Colorado
While perhaps no single one of these guys would necessarily make the list on his own (though they could), the Buffs will be absolutely loaded at WR next season. Devin Ross is an inside guy who relies on his quickness and speed to get his job done. He had 765 yards on 66 receptions, 5 TDs in 13 games last. Bryce Bobo has good wide receiver size at 6-foot-2, 195-pounds with reliable hands. Shay Fields is a deep threat with nine career catches more than 50 yards, and led the team in receptions last year.
Combined last season vs. Oregon: 17 rec, 260 yards, 3 TDs
Honorable Mention
Oregon's Darren Carrington has the ball skills and playmaking flair to be the conference's top receiver. What he hasn't proven is that he can stay focused and put a complete, injury-free season together. He's had a major off-field incident each year, and tends to be a bit of a hot dog.
NFL scouts will be watching him for signs of growth and maturity: he has the talent to lead the league, an exceptional running game to create great situations for him, and a tall, strong-armed quarterback to get him the ball.
USC sophomore Deontay Burnett from Compton caught three TDs in USC's Rose Bowl win over Penn State, and with Juju Smith-Schuster on to the NFL he's likely to be Sam Darnold's go-to target. He is a 4.4 speedster from Junipero Serra who hauled in 56 balls for 622 yards and 7 TDs in his redshirt freshman season. He is extremely talented and is destined to play on Sundays along with the rest of this list.