Football Depth Chart: Wide Receivers

Gone is the experience from the leading receiver of last season, but the receiving core should be even deadlier than last year for opposing teams. Featuring a returning starter, three returning players, and even two running backs that also participate in the passing game, whichever quaterback that gets the starting nod will have plenty of weapons.

Former wide receiver, Lavasier Tuinei, led the Ducks with 48 catches and 10 touchdown receptions and had 599 yards, second behind running back/athlete De’Anthony Thomas by six yards. There isn’t a much better finish to a collegiate career than 158 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin. Now he will continue his career with the Seattle Seahawks.

Josh Huff is the lone returning starter. Checking in at 5-foot-11 and 207 pounds, the junior played in 12 games last season. Production improved slightly from his first to second year, gaining from 303 yards to 430 yards on the season, but has just five touchdowns in his career so far. Some highlights from last year included a season high 72 yards on two receptions against Arizona State and a 59-yard touchdown against Stanford; both games were victories for the team.

Rahsaan Vaughn, Daryle Hawkins (junior), Eric Dungy (sophomore), and Keanon Lowe (sophomore) are all returning players with Vaughn and Hawkins likely getting the starting spots in the beginning. Vaughn was the most productive last season with 14 catches for 184 yards and a touchdown in seven games. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound senior will likely keep a starting position, but Hawkins may be sharing starting duties with Thomas throughout the season.

Justin Hoffman is returning to the team has an assistant coach. The former wide receiver has suffered concussions and has been forced to retire from football.

Four redshirt freshmen are Tacoi Sumler, Miles Johnson, Devon Blackmon, and B.J. Kelly. Rounding out the depth chart is senior Will Murphy, junior Chad Delaney, junior Ben Butterfield, junior Dane Ebanez, and sophomore Blake Stanton.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo, follow the site on Facebook and Twitter. Read his other work on the Iowa State blog, Clones Confidential, and Watson Talk Lacrosse.