Knowing that Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips are gearing up to be the top 2 wide-outs and that Bucky Hodges will be, well, "Bucky Hodges"... who will step into that 3rd receiver/ "slot" guy now that Byrn's graduated? Is Charley Meyer ready to assume that role?
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Because he's white??
I was thinking because he is the only walk-on who has been with the team for a couple years, but white applies too.
I thought he got a scholarship.
walk-ons who get scholarships don't always keep them..
No. Sometimes he's orange. Sometimes maroon. Sometimes all three.
Charley Meyer...
Ryan Malleck. Ryan Malleck is token white pass catcher this year.
Re watched the OSU game about a week ago, Malleck is the reason we moved the ball the way we did. The man had hands for days.
He lost his hands!?!?!1?
Craft knows what he means.
Relevant, because the big white guy caught the ball.
Thought anOSU was relevant, but yeah, that too.
I apologize. the alcohol coulda sworn that was Wisconsin.
Not sure why you would think that...
Yup but he found em again so it's all good.
That's right!
very true. He was extremely reliable all game. I was also impressed with the chain-moving catches of Stanford, I think people forgot his impact on that game. I know he disappeared from the team after that. My guess is they are going to fill his targets with Bucky and that we don't really need a traditional 3rd WR if Mallak can stay healthy (big if) and maybe if Cline can come back and contribute.
He already was clutch against Ohio state universities last year
gotta think it will be Asante... r-SR... his time to shine.
Danny Coale and Willie Byrn arent really comparable. Coale was the #2 all time leading receiver when he left here. Byrn had a nice career, especially because he came here as a walk on, but he didnt have the impact Coale did by far.
But, we would be happy with having Byrn as our 3rd guy right now and u are right it is a mess after Ford and Phillips. Its anybody's guess at this point and I would think Asante or Bradshaw may be the frontrunners. We gotta have some production from that spot to win big games.
Yeah, I agree...I was really wondering about slot, short-to-intermediate passing receivers (even though Coale made some memorable, great receptions way down the field, I mainly remember him being clutch in the short to intermediate game).... I didn't see any spring footage so I don't know who fits in there. I see Knowles as more of a 3rd deep threat (and I have a feeling he'll do well this year).... I would think Asante, Bradshaw, Newsome or Meyer...who else is showing big promise?
I think Bradshaw steps up.
Hoping Bradshaw. Young talent, get him some good reps, more experience.
As soon as I read the thread title, this was the guy that came to mind for me as well.
Im psyched because the Packers are wearing exactly this uni combination this year! ...well...minus the leather helmet
I think Cam Phillips is well suited to that role. On 3 WR sets I can see Phillips in the slot and Knowles split out wide.
And I say this because Willie Byrn and Danny Coale played two COMPLETELY different roles at wide receiver. Coale was a down the field and intermediate threat. Byrn, with very few exceptions, did almost all his work on underneath routes.
Yeah, that IS true... so who do you see breaking out as the underneath route receiving threat this year?
Sam Rogers, perhaps?
From what Brewer said during ACC media days, Rogers will be playing that H back-slot type role who would be comparable to Byrn or Mallek as far as route concepts (short, underneath).
I would think Bradshaw or Newsome could be a good fit for the Coale type role. Getting downfield a little more but working the spaces clear our by Ford and Phillips
I don't know if they have a guy that fits the role. Asante and Newsome are guys that are more jet sweep and screen guys. Knowles, Bradshaw, and Meyer are intermediate route guys (and Bradshaw can get behind people.) keep in mind, byrn's role was minimized as the season went on. I think that the offense will adjust to the available talent, rather than jamming those guys as round pegs into square holes.
YES
Bradshaw or Carroll
Can't believe nobody has mentioned D. Knowles yet. I think this is the year he finally puts the speed to use and puts it all together.
Depends on the role we're talking about. Given Knowles' style, I think there is exactly zero chance he becomes an underneath target. His asset is speed, and while he might well have transcended his injury to become a more well-rounded receiver, you don't make a speed guy your dump off receiver. He might become a third intermediate/vertical threat, though. I could definitely see that.
For the underneath third option, my mind keeps going back to Joel Caleb. His time spent among the tailbacks might have given him the open field vision to turn a six yard catch into a 10-15 yard catch. If Burden's time with Caleb has paid quick dividends, you might see him emerge as a check down receiver over the course of the season. Plus he has the speed for some deceptive stop and go routes that could fool linebackers.
Agreed. Making Knowles run crossing routes all day is going to put him in line for some big hits. He may or may not have gotten past what looked for the world to be a reluctance to take a hard hit (not a knock on him at all -- he got clocked on some KO returns and it takes a lot to convince your body to take any more). But the idea of him taking some monster hits from safeties doesn't give me warm fuzzies both in terms of health and ball retention.
I think multiple TE's are the easiest, best answer, bringing in Knowles or Asante for when you have routes needing speed to press the middle of the field.
If Knowles was the underneath maybe he'd be great on a drag/underneath route because of his speed. a LB or S wouldn't be able to stay with him at all. Downside would be that Knowles had brick hands (which did get better towards the end of the year in 2013) and I'm not sure he's going to survive running through the middle too many times.
Nice call on Caleb. He would have the size to go through the middle, shake, speed (?), and hopefully vision to excel there.
Knowles doesnt wanna take a hit either, he wont be going over the middle. Caleb, definitely has what it takes as far as size and athleticism. And he doesnt seem to mind contact. I just hope he puts it all together, he could really save his career and help us out.
Keep in mind, Corey Fuller looked like he wanted no part of any contact or going over the middle during the Spring of 2012, only to make a living off of slants all year en route to being drafted. New coach, new year, last go-round... I wouldn't count out Knowles just yet. Caleb, though, is a guy I really want to see put it together now.
Its definitely possible. Knowles has had an odd career, he scored a huge TD against GT in his first real playing time and returned a kick for TD that season at Carolina and has seemed to regress since then. I would have to say his kick return days are done after that stunt in the UVa game.
He's had moments that make you think he can be a good receiver, and with the opportunity there and this being his last season, he might make it happen. Fuller and Knowles were both track guys so hopefully it happens again. Imagine if Knowles could put together a season like Fuller had his Sr year.
#sauces tell me there's a new under the radar kid on the practice squad that is turning heads. Goes by the name Daniel Meleagris "Bill" Coalebyrn.
Strange kid. First time anyone saw him, he was walking out of a GBCB lab that nobody saw him walk into.
I second that!
I honestly think our slot receiver this year will be Bucky or another TE. I think we are going to see a awful lot of two TE sets which is going to limit the WR's on the field. Ford, Philips or their backups, two of Cline, Hodges, or Malleck and either a RB or Sam Rogers in the backfield.
I'm hoping we use even some three TE sets. We have to have one of the best TE groups in the country. It would give us a lot of versatility in the hurry up.
Danny Coale destroyed some teams with some awesome catches (UVA, Nebraska), while Byrn was more of a pest with underneath catches to extend drive or get 6-7 easy yards. However Coale was more polished of a receiver, an athlete who proved he could do a lot, running routes, etc. Byrn was a very hardworking guy, no doubt about that and strong leadership. I think the fans compare them because of race which is unfortunate because both guys deserve recognition in their own way for the tremendous work they did.
I think Danny is still trying to make an NFL team, not sure if Byrn will have the opportunity. I hope we start looking at these awesome athletes individually and not by race.
With that said, I think that Jaylen Bradshaw brings a lot of upside and could potentially do something special. I think Knowles is good with his speed but really is behind in terms of technique even as a senior. Perhaps a specialty role for long streak routes or one of the return man maybe better suited for him.
Bud Foster said a lot of nice things about CJ Carroll, I believe he is a walk-on (And went to my old high school) along with Kendall Fuller. Be nice to see him get a shot.
As for Charley Meyer, I've not heard much about him since his strong training camp a few years ago. I hope he gets another chance. Same for Asante, all I know is that he is back with the program, not much more.
Didn't Bradshaw essentially miss spring with an injury? I think he's probably a year away at this point.
Nailed it. Great post. Leg.
Whichever one can be found wide open 90% of the time like those two.
Danny Coale was always open. Way more than 90%. He's still open to this day.
Remember when Joe's diner was Danny Coale 24 hours/day?
Wait a minute. Do you mean Joe's Dinner Fullers now?
No, it's still Danny Coale, just not 24/7 any more. In fact, they might just be open for breakfast/lunch. Makes me nostalgic for 3am omelet and milkshake runs from Thomas hall freshman year. That was shortly before they stopped selling milkshakes at night due to drunk folk buying too many and then, um, trying to return them. Too much clean up hassle for the graveyard shift waiters.
I realize that. But I don't expect anyone to equal Danny Coale.
Im wondering what position Coleman Fox will start practice at. His tape was very good and he could maybe make an impact as a slot guy. Might be hard as a true freshman but we need somebody there.
I think that Cam Phillips will be the "slot" receiver, with Bucky and I. Ford out wide. But of the other 5-6 guys at receiver who need to step up and be the third receiver I'd have to pick Bradshaw, although, I'm really pulling for Joel Caleb to pop off.
As far as someone who comes from out of nowhere to be a productive receiver, I wouldn't count out Carroll. Dude's tiny, but he's an impoverished man's Ryan Switzer - quick, shifty, great hands. If he can physically survive taking more than one shot from a D1 DB or LB, he could be a real weapon in the screen game and those intermediate routes that Byrn made a living off of for 2 years.
does this mean JCC has competition for the title of "maroon smurf?"
I think Carroll is listed as holder on field goals and extra points. I always find it interesting when coaches put someone there who is not a QB (like a punter), but having someone there with great hands is smart.
Receivers named Carroll.....hmmm.....seems we've had good luck with that before.
God, I miss Danny Coale.
I totally agree with Mysterious and French above in that this question was not phrased correctly at all. Danny Coale and Willie Byrn are not comparable. Coale was a multi-year starting WR, VT's #2 all time leading receiver, a down-field and intermediate threat, not a walk-on, and a guy that made the catch, and was/is always open. Willie Byrn was a walk-on that had two good years as a 3rd receiver, good guy in the slot/ working mostly underneath routes, and also had a great juke in him that gave him better than average YAC.
The only thing these two guys have in common is that they both played WR for VT and they both have great hands.
Not sure if you are asking who will be our slot receiver? or who would be a viable 3rd true WR (in case Ford or Cam get injured)? I think those are completely different questions. I think with Brewer's ability to spread the rock around, I honestly do not think we'll go all season with a standard "3rd slot WR" like Byrn was for us in the past two years. I think we'll have more options this year, mainly at TE but also FB/RB. I think Loeffler will mix and match each week to get the most favorable match-ups based on who we play and the type of D our offense faces each week. Bucky and Cline will get their share of plays in the slot (as they will also line up out wide, bringing other WRs into the slot). So assuming no injuries, I think you will see quite the spread of catches b/w Ford, Phillips, Bucky, Malleck, Cline, Rogers, RBs (Trey, JCC, & McMillian), and yes some from our other backup WRs (Knowles, Asante, Bradshaw, Newsome, Meyer, Carroll [and possibly Fox but only if he blows up in fall camp]). If we face an injury to one of our starting WRs, then I think Knowles or Asante are the most likely replacements at SE/Flanker. If Loeffler does want a WR to be a go-to slot receiver, than I hope Bradshaw makes the leap this fall (mainly because I know the least about him so I assume he's got great upside). But actually I'd be plenty happy if any of our backup WRs including Newsome, Meyer, Carroll, or Fox came in and always delivered like the Paperboy in those underneath routes. I don't see Knowles in the slot and not sure about Asante there either. So maybe our 3rd/slot WR will be by committee, with Loeffler taking a page from Buzz and giving plays to whoever practices the best that week.
Madaline Khan always get a leg from me.
One of my favorites of all time. Recognizing her gets you a leg, too.
He's like wet sauerkraut in my hands. By morning he will be my slave.
It's twuuue, it's twuuee
You can't think of ANYthing else they have in common?
Shiat, stupid song will be stuck in my head for the rest of the week.
Yeah, my bad... and my apologies... I didn't phrase the topic correctly... I really meant to ask about the slot, short-game receiver and everybody offered some really good possible answers to the puzzle. I hope and believe that we'll be a much better deep threat passing team this year, but still believe that underneath game will also be very key. I must've been stoned when I thought I remembered the majority of Coale's catches coming in the short-to-intermediate game...sorry 'bout that guys! I think that you're probably right about the "committee" approach to the short passing game. Go HOKIES!
I hope Jaylen Bradshaw makes some moves up the depth chart. Asante and Knowles have done their time but we know what we are getting with both of them. Bradshaw was an outstanding wide receiver at Oscar Smith, a perennial powerhouse program. It was rumored that he was in line for playtime last season (true freshman) but got hurt towards the end of camp and got the redshirt. I'd love for the guys who make the decisions to play the young guy with the potential and develop them rather than play the senior who has reached their peak and, sorry to say, isn't that good or much of a difference maker.