One of the biggest question marks coming into the 2013 season on offense is the group of wide receivers. With their top three wideouts going to the NFL last season, head coach Dana Holgorsen and receivers coach Lonnie Galloway will be looking for some new stars to emerge.
Ivan McCartney is the statistically best receiver coming into camp for the Mountaineers. McCartney, who has 59 career receptions for 701 yards and 3 touchdowns, was let go from the team last season, citing personal issues as the reason. Most believed that McCartney was facing character issues, with his work ethic being at the top of that list. McCartney was reinstated to the team this past off-season, a rarity from coach Holgorsen. During the first press conference of training camp, Holgorsen said one word in regards to what he is looking for from the 6-2 185 pound receiver: improvement.
McCartney, who came from the same high school as Geno Smith and Stedman Bailey, carries the nickname of “sticks”. This could be in reference to “moving the sticks” but it’s been said before he holds the name because of his skinny body. He might need to find a new nickname, though. If you compare his body size from the beginning of last season and now, he’s gotten thicker. His size will allow him to rough up defenders in the passing game as well as in run blocking.
Galloway believes that McCartney is a special player. He’s known him from the beginning since he’s the one who recruited “Sticks”.
“He’s matured. I’m glad he’s back,” Galloway said of McCartney.
After McCartney, there are JUCO transfers Kevin White and Mario Alford. White, a big receiver like McCartney, has the chance to really take over the field. All of the coaches are excited about the 6-3, 211 pound transfer.
White caught 36 passes for 535 yards and six touchdowns last season in JUCO ball. He, too, has gotten bigger since coming to West Virginia.
“Kevin is big. You can tell from the spring and going through summer workouts that he has gotten stronger and thicker,” Galloway said, “We’re expecting big things from him.”
Alford is another guy who is expected to come in and contribute right away.
“He can run. He has good ball skills. He’ll be counted on this year,” Galloway said of the 5-9, 175 pound transfer who was a dual threat at receiver and running back last season.
Following this cast of playmakers are newcomers Shelton Gibson, Robert Carswell, and Jacky Marcellous as well as returners like Jordan Thompson, KJ Myers, Dante Campbell and Weirton’s own, Connor Arlia.
The returning group of receivers combined for just 24 catches for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns last season.
Cody Clay, a sophomore tight end, is also expected to contribute this season. Clay was called WVU’s “best football player” by Holgorsen at the Big 12 Media Days, so look for him to be highly involved this season.
Under this offense, any of these receivers can step up and stand out in 2013. Coach Galloway is working hard to get these guys into the offense and pushing them become the next Tavon Austin or Stedman Bailey.
