DRC: UNT offseason questions series No. 4 -- Do the Mean Green's wide receivers return to form after tough year?

Brett Vito · June 2, 2022

UNTLifer · June 2, 2022

I think the question was answered in the tweet. Shorter and Bush are returning to a group that had to "grow up a little quicker" since they were pushed in to starting positions. This group, if they stay healthy, should be a strength.

GrayEagle · June 3, 2022

The loss of Datraveon Brown may keep this receiving corps from being the best in G5. Bush, in top form, could play for anyone in the country. Jay Maclin, if the spring was any indication of his talents, will be an excellent receiver. Burns, an unknown when he came here, has worked his way toward the front as he was the leading receiver last year with 58 catches. I consider TE/HB Var'Keese Gumms to be a part of the receiving corps this year and he should be another very good receiver and a large part of the offense. If Jyaire Shorter has returned to form he will be another strong member of the receiving corps. Bryson Jackson was an outstanding receiver in high school (near 4 star) and I still consider dangerous. Damon Ward has been a contributor as has Khatib Lyles. The Nebraska transfer, Latrelle Neville, might easily become a prime target and Jordan Smart was perhaps the best in Division II last year. I have yet to see what Caleb Johnson can do as a receiver but he had a grade of .8796 as a defensive back so we know that he is a good athlete. Maybe he'll consent to play defense and give up his receiving hopes. I believe that he would be a starting defensive back for years to come.

GrandGreen · June 4, 2022

5 hours ago, GrayEagle said:

The loss of Datraveon Brown may keep this receiving corps from being the best in G5. Bush, in top form, could play for anyone in the country. Jay Maclin, if the spring was any indication of his talents, will be an excellent receiver. Burns, an unknown when he came here, has worked his way toward the front as he was the leading receiver last year with 58 catches. I consider TE/HB Var'Keese Gumms to be a part of the receiving corps this year and he should be another very good receiver and a large part of the offense. If Jyaire Shorter has returned to form he will be another strong member of the receiving corps. Bryson Jackson was an outstanding receiver in high school (near 4 star) and I still consider dangerous. Damon Ward has been a contributor as has Khatib Lyles. The Nebraska transfer, Latrelle Neville, might easily become a prime target and Jordan Smart was perhaps the best in Division II last year. I have yet to see what Caleb Johnson can do as a receiver but he had a grade of .8796 as a defensive back so we know that he is a good athlete. Maybe he'll consent to play defense and give up his receiving hopes. I believe that he would be a starting defensive back for years to come.

Not sure why you think the loss of Brown, who caught 8 passes last year is going to substantially hurt the NT receiving corp. Agree with your other points.

Seems to me this should be the strongest unit on the team, pending an adequate at least QB and coaching.

GrayEagle · June 5, 2022

On 6/3/2022 at 11:18 PM, GrandGreen said:

Not sure why you think the loss of Brown, who caught 8 passes last year is going to substantially hurt the NT receiving corp. Agree with your other points.

Seems to me this should be the strongest unit on the team, pending an adequate at least QB and coaching.

I consider Brown a big play threat. Aune was just beginning to notice that he was getting open often. His big play in the UTEP game set up the winning field goal in the closing minutes. He only caught eight passes but he averaged more than 21 yards per catch (highest on the team).