It takes a truly selfless player to play wide receiver ("wide blocker" in Statesboro vernacular) in the triple option offense. There aren't a whole lot of passes coming your way and it's an invisible position unless you miss your block. 2010 was a very slim year for WR stats, as only 38 passes were caught by a WR; most of the passes went to the A-Backs. Fortunately for the Eagles, their stable of WR is just what they need: dependable blockers that can catch the ball when their number is called.
Starters - RS JR Tyler Sumner/JR Mitchell Williford - Every receiver that started a game in 2010 returns for the 2011 campaign. Tyler Sumner started 13 of the Eagles' 15 games, catching 10 passes for 149 yards (14.9 ypc). Opposite him, Mitch Williford started 11 of the 15 games and caught 12 passes for 151 yards (12.6 ypc). While the stats may not stand out, they both possess the tools required of them, with Sumner standing 6'2" 235 lbs and Williford coming in at 6'4" 192 lbs. Neither is a real threat to stretch the field, but both players are very sure handed, so drops are a non-issue. Eagle fans can expect to see Sumner and Williford in substantial roles for the next two years.
Backups - JR Patrick Barker/SO Tray Butler/RS FR Kentrellis Showers - Even though they are listed as backups, both Barker and Butler are expected to see significant playing time in 2011. In fact, even though Butler only started two games, he was the Eagles' leading receiver (not counting A-Backs) with 13 catches for 168 yards (12.9 ypc) and 2 TDs. Barker caught 40 passes for 255 yards under Chris Hatcher in 2009, but was only targeted three times in 2010. Kentrellis Showers is a new face for many Eagle fans after being redshirted in 2010. Showers is 5'11" 162 lbs and is a true threat to stretch the field. Expect the WR passing game to open up a bit more in 2011 whenever Showers is on the field.
Additional Depth - SR Brett Layson returns after an injury early in the 2010 season. The 2011 playing time of signees B.J. Johnson and Zach Walker is purely dependent on the abilities they show in Fall camp, though Coach Monken raved about both during the signing day festivities. Tight End signee Wilson Hudgins has the ability to line up at tight end, wide receiver, or B-Back and has the talent to see playing time as a true freshman.