Wide receivers endure change

In a college football program that recorded just one win last season, change was bound to happen before the start of the 2012 campaign.

Since last year, there have been three changes in the wide receiver position.

Damarlo Belcher was dismissed from the team near Halloween last year, and two more receivers are no longer on the team after decisions made in early August.

Sophomore Jay McCants will play for Florida Atlantic after being dismissed from IU due to an unspecified rule violation, and sophomore Logan Young left the program for the University of Indianapolis.

But as the well-known quote says about change, “out with the old, in with the new.”
Coming into this season, the team has six wide receivers listed on the depth chart.

The group includes junior Kofi Hughes and sophomores Cody Latimer and Shane Wynn as starters. Listed after them are juniors Duwyce Wilson and Jamonne Chester and multi-sport athlete sophomore Nick Stoner, who sprints for IU’s track and field team.

According to the depth chart, Wynn and Stoner will be the kick and punt returners, respectively.

In addition to the wide receivers, junior tight end Ted Bolser will return as a starter.
Of the players mentioned on the depth chart, Hughes led the team with 536 receiving yards and tied with Wilson for three receiving touchdowns last year.

Hughes is one of three players who will miss one game due to an undisclosed violation of team rules, though the specific game hasn’t been announced yet.

This group brings more experience, Assistant Offensive Coordinator Kevin
Johns said.

“A year ago we played a lot of true freshmen and sophomores, and we’ve taken our lumps, obviously,” he said. “Those kids worked hard in the offseason and made a decision that they were going to commit to being the best they could be.”

The offseason has certainly helped the receivers both physically and mentally, sophomore quarterback Tre Roberson said.

“All the receivers are fast, and they catch the ball,” he said. “They are smart and know what’s going on in coverages.”

Johns discussed their physical traits.

“We’ve added some muscle to their bodies,” he said. “We’ve added some body weight, so I’m excited to see what they can do this season. I think they are ready.”

The coaches and players said they have seen a change in work ethic from last season. Wynn said he notices this specifically in
practice.

“We are trying to complete more passes than we did the last day,” Wynn said.
Wynn said each receiver brought a different set of skills to the field, which should provide depth and balance to the team.

“Speed, catching, moves, you know, things like that,” he said. “We have the whole package as a receiving crew.”

Players and coaches said they notice a change because of the experience gained from last season and the physical and mental traits improved in the offseason.

As the team approaches the season opener against Indiana State, Johns said to expect to see variety with the wide receivers.

“I think we are a deep group,” he said. “I know we are going to try and play a lot of guys. I think they have all bought into what (IU) Coach (Kevin) Wilson is selling as our message.”