Washington has put together a deep and talented group of wide receivers over the past three years. Jr. Jermaine Kearse, Jr. Devin Aguilar, and So. James Johnson are arguably the best trio in the Pac 10 going into the 2010 season. Jr. Cody Bruns, Sr. D'Andre Goodwin, and Jr. Jordan Polk provide solid depth.
Kearse and Aguilar had breakout seasons in 2010. With a year of experience under their belts and a competent QB to deliver the ball they flourished in Sarks pro style offense. Jermaine and Devin made clutch catch after clutch catch in 2009 and they are only going to be better this season.
Both Kearse and Aguilar have potential NFL ability. Kearse is a big play guy who concentrates very well in the red zone. He led UW with 50 receptions and 8 TD catches last season. Aguilar chimed in with 42 receptions and 5 TD's despite missing some playing time because of injury.
Newcomer James Johnson made a big impression in camp and knocked 2008's leading reciever D'Andre Goodwin out of the starting lineup. His play faded in the second half of the season after he started wearing down which is to expected from most freshman. The thinking is with a full year of strength and conditioning he should be ready to provide big things in 2010.
Goodwin suffered a pull hamstring late in spring camp and never really recaptured the form that made him UW's leading receiver in 2008. He is a kid to really keep an eye on this spring. He needs to regain the confidence he lost last season and start playing witout being tenative.
Cody Bruns hasn't played much but that really isn't his fault. He would get plenty of playing time on most teams but he has been buried behind the starters. He runs accurate routes and has good speed. All he really needs is some playing time to show what he can do.
Jordan Polk has the ability to make circus type catches but his size is a bit of a negative in this group. His playing time has been limited simply because he isn't better than the guys ahead of him and doesn't really offer a different look with his dimunitive size. He has had some looks returning the ball but he hasn't broken out doing that yet either.
The starting lineup is set in stone for Washington heading into the spring. Things to look closely at is the possible rebound of Goodwin, Bruns getting more reps, and Polk finding a niche he can fit into. I think it is make or break time also for Luther Leonard who hasn't seen the field yet. He has pretty good size but he needs to make his move this spring or be forever buried.
What Washington has been lacking has been taller go to receivers and they filled that need by recruiting Kevin Smith and DiAndre Campbell who will arrive in the fall. So. Luther Leonard who moved over from QB a year ago is also in the mix to help fill that role.