Jarrett, Ginn top preseason WR rankingsBy Todd McShayWith stars like USC's Dwayne Jarrett, Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr., Notre Dame's Jeff Samardzija and Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson returning to terrorize defensive backs, wide receivers will shine in 2006. Here are the preseason rankings for the nation's top returning wide receivers. 1. Dwayne Jarrett, USC, JR, 6-4, 210Without Matt Leinart at the helm and Reggie Bush drawing attention, it's unreasonable to expect Jarrett to match his 2005 production (91 catches, 1,274 yards and 16 touchdowns). Regardless, no receiver in college football boasts Jarrett's combination of elite physical tools and dynamic playmaking ability. 2. Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State, JR, 6-0, 181Ginn failed to live up to the hype last season, but his 167 receiving yards against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl were a preview of things to come. After spending the offseason polishing his route-running skills, expect Ginn to emerge as one of the early Heisman Trophy favorites in 2006. 3. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame, SR, 6-4, 214Samardzija more than makes up for what he lacks in elite speed with size, instincts and savvy. He burst onto the national stage with 1,249 yards and 15 touchdowns on 77 receptions in 2005. With Brady Quinn returning at quarterback for the Irish, there's no telling what type of numbers Samardzija will post as a senior this fall. 4. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, JR, 6-4, 226Johnson is arguably the most physically gifted wide receiver in college football today. With a secondary receiver to draw attention and a quarterback capable of completing more than 48 percent of his attempts, Johnson could easily produce Jarrett-like numbers. Unfortunately, Johnson's supporting cast is atrocious. 5. Sidney Rice, South Carolina, SO, 6-4, 198Rice exploded onto the national scene with 70 catches for 1,143 yards and 13 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman last season. With another offseason of conditioning under his belt and a full year to digest coach Steve Spurrier's scheme, Rice could emerge as the nation's premier receiving threat in 2006. 6. Jason Hill, Washington State, SR, 6-1, 211After seriously considering leaving school early for the 2006 NFL draft, Hill made the wise decision to return to Washington State for his senior year. Now that RB Jerome Harrison has moved on to the NFL, QB Alex Brink will count even more on Hill, the nation's third-leading receiver in 2005 7. Steve Breaston, Michigan, SR, 6-1, 196Breaston took a step backwards as a receiver last season, but part of the problem was a lingering shoulder injury that prevented him from playing at full speed much of the time. Breaston is healthy now, and with wide receiver Jason Avant having graduated and moved on to the NFL, expect Breaston to play a far bigger role for the Wolverines this fall. Breaston also remains one of the most dangerous return specialists in the nation. 8. Derrick Williams, Penn State, SO, 6-0, 191Williams ranked among the most influential freshmen in college football last season, despite suffering a season-ending broken arm against Michigan. He can impact the game in so many different ways, including as a receiver, runner, return specialist and occasionally as a defensive back. Four of Williams' 57 touches went for scores in 2005. Williams' arm has mended, and with a year of experience under his belt, coach Joe Paterno is expecting even more from his sensational sophomore this fall. 9. James Hardy, Indiana, SO, 6-6, 215He flew somewhat under the radar as a freshman at Indiana last fall, but the Hoosiers have a genuine gridiron star in Hardy. At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Hardy displays tremendous athleticism and hand-eye coordination for his size. He notched 893 yards and 10 touchdowns on 61 catches last season. With more experience and better savvy, Hardy should emerge as a nationwide household name in 2006. 10. Billy Pittman, Texas, JR, 6-0, 198His 2005 numbers (34 catches for 750 yards and five touchdowns) might not stack up to the stats of some of the other players on this list, but underestimating Pittman's talent and impact is a mistake. A big play waiting to happen, Pittman used his track-star speed to exploit opposing defenses for five receptions of 60 or more yards last season. A more savvy version of Pittman could be scary in 2006.The next best 15:11. Todd Blythe, Iowa State, junior12. Dorien Bryant, Purdue, junior13. Steve Smith, USC, senior14. DeSean Jackson, California, sophomore15. Joel Filani, Texas Tech, senior16. D'Juan Woods, Oklahoma State, senior17. Andre Caldwell, Florida, senior18. Chansi Stuckey, Clemson, senior19. Dwayne Bowe, LSU, senior20. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech, senior21. Ryne Robinson, Miami (Ohio), senior22. Paul Williams, Fresno State, senior23. Limas Sweed, Texas, junior24. Johnnie Lee Higgins, UTEP, senior25. Mario Manningham, Michigan, sophomore
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (FSUViking @ Jun 13 2006, 06:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'> 3. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame, SR, 6-4, 214Samardzija more than makes up for what he lacks in elite speed with size, instincts and savvy. He burst onto the national stage with 1,249 yards and 15 touchdowns on 77 receptions in 2005. With Brady Quinn returning at quarterback for the Irish, there's no telling what type of numbers Samardzija will post as a senior this fall.</div>That's my boy right there. Bring it home Shark.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 13 2006, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wow, this guy lost all credibility putting Calvin Johnson at 4 IMO. Otherwise, not bad I guess.</div>Why? Calvin Johnson is the most physically gived WR in college. If he was playing for any team with a capable QB, he'd be 1,200 and 15 easily. His supporting cast is trash. I'd switch Ginn and Samardzija.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Flockers @ Jun 13 2006, 04:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 13 2006, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wow, this guy lost all credibility putting Calvin Johnson at 4 IMO. Otherwise, not bad I guess.</div>Why? Calvin Johnson is the most physically gived WR in college. If he was playing for any team with a capable QB, he'd be 1,200 and 15 easily. His supporting cast is trash. I'd switch Ginn and Samardzija.</div>Thus why he should be much higher.....
Calvin Johnson is just an absolute freak, reminds me a lot of T.O. Could be a great possesion receiver in the league (and he still can go and get the long ball). I also like Sidney Rice and Derrick Williams, two other great underrated WR's.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (UhOh315 @ Jun 13 2006, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Calvin Johnson is just an absolute freak, reminds me a lot of T.O. Could be a great possesion receiver in the league (and he still can go and get the long ball). I also like Sidney Rice and Derrick Williams, two other great underrated WR's.</div>Not really underrated, just not much talked about among draftnik's because they're sophmores.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 13 2006, 08:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Flockers @ Jun 13 2006, 04:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 13 2006, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wow, this guy lost all credibility putting Calvin Johnson at 4 IMO. Otherwise, not bad I guess.</div>Why? Calvin Johnson is the most physically gived WR in college. If he was playing for any team with a capable QB, he'd be 1,200 and 15 easily. His supporting cast is trash. I'd switch Ginn and Samardzija.</div>Thus why he should be much higher.....</div>Well, you should've said that. Then I wouldn't have had to yell.
D.Williams is awesome. I remember watching him on ESPNEWS when he was announcing his college choice.From Miami, I think Ryan Moore could make the top 15-20 if he keeps his head on straight, and Kyle Wright throws him enough balls.
that is not how the list should go, it should be calvin johnson first, then dwayne jarrett, third should be ted ginn jr., and then fourth should be samardzija. after that i think that the list is alright.
Sindey Rice is going to be one of the best, hes only a Sophmore and he was already setting records as a Freshman
What ever happened to Tyrone Prothro? Is he going to be a Senior WR next year or did he go undrafted this year or what? Anyone know? He showed a lot of talent before he got injured.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Johnny White Guy @ Jun 15 2006, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What ever happened to Tyrone Prothro? Is he going to be a Senior WR next year or did he go undrafted this year or what? Anyone know? He showed a lot of talent before he got injured.</div>Senior for Alabama. Although alot of people are counting him out from that nasty injury. I think he'll have a good comeback this year.
I don't claim to be extremely well-versed in college football... But Calvin Johnson might be the best WR I've seen in a LONG time. He plays on such a trash team and still just tears people apart.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 15 2006, 12:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Senior for Alabama. Although alot of people are counting him out from that nasty injury. I think he'll have a good comeback this year. </div>Same, I'd have him as one of the top WRs, he is incredible when healthy.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 15 2006, 09:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Johnny White Guy @ Jun 15 2006, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What ever happened to Tyrone Prothro? Is he going to be a Senior WR next year or did he go undrafted this year or what? Anyone know? He showed a lot of talent before he got injured.</div>Senior for Alabama. Although alot of people are counting him out from that nasty injury. I think he'll have a good comeback this year. </div>His never been anywhere near close and top WR in the nation though. He only has 5 Receiving TD's in his career. He doesn't even average 2 a season.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JGleas @ Jun 15 2006, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 15 2006, 09:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Johnny White Guy @ Jun 15 2006, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What ever happened to Tyrone Prothro? Is he going to be a Senior WR next year or did he go undrafted this year or what? Anyone know? He showed a lot of talent before he got injured.</div>Senior for Alabama. Although alot of people are counting him out from that nasty injury. I think he'll have a good comeback this year. </div>His never been anywhere near close and top WR in the nation though. He only has 5 Receiving TD's in his career. He doesn't even average 2 a season.</div>True, but he has the potential to have a breakout year. I think its very possible that he could have 850 yds and 7 TD's or so this next season and being a mid-round pick. He was showing some of his potential last year as shown by his 7 rec, 134 yds against Southern Miss and his 5 rec, 134 yds, 2 TD against Florida. He just needs to be given the ball on a consistant basis and to be allowed to make his plays.
I agree with Derek with the responce to Johnson being 4th. Calvin Johnson is the best WR propsect to come out of college in 10 years.
This list has nothing to do with being prospects. It has to do with collegiate production. Calvin is #4 because he has a crap ass QB and no other receivers. The guy gets doubled and tripled team and at most will have 75 Receptions a year when Jarrett and Jeff S. could easily have 90.And, on Protho, he isn't even a starter right now. DJ Hall and Keith Brown are listed ahead of him. Let's not forgot 'Bama has a new QB in John Parker Wilson as well and is certainly a drop off from Croyle.
