North Carolina State University Athletics
Football Preview, Part Two: Wide Receivers
7/15/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 15, 2003
Wide Receiver Outlook
Philip Rivers should have no problem setting the league passing marks if the Wolfpack wideouts live up to their reputations this fall. Three of the top four receivers from last season return (one was the Pack's starting tailback), as well as two others who saw limited action and another pair who were ineligible for competition in 2002.
The losses at that already-deep position are minimal, as three-year starter Bryan Peterson, who finished his career ranked third in school history in career receptions, completed his eligibility, and Dovonte Edwards, who started four games and caught 26 passes last season, has moved to the defensive side of the ball.
Jerricho Cotchery (6-1, 200, Sr.) has quietly and steadily become one of the top receivers in school history. Only one receiver at NC State has ever posted better numbers than Cotchery in 2002, when the first-team All-ACC performer tallied 1,192 yards on 67 catches. "J-Co" ranks seventh in school history in both career catches and yards and was definitely the go-to-guy for the Pack in 2002, with 51 of his 67 catches going for first downs and 20 successful third-down conversions.
"Jerricho has been tremendous for us," said coach Chuck Amato. "He's a tough, tough player and we know we can count on him in tough situations. "
The Wolfpack wideouts will get plenty of chances to get their hands on the ball, as NC State often uses three, four, and even five-wide sets. After Cotchery, the most experienced returning wideout is split end Sterling Hicks (6-2, 185, Jr.), the Pack's fourth-leading receiver in 2002 with 37 catches for 510 yards. Hicks missed spring workouts after undergoing shoulder surgery in February but should be back at full speed for fall camp.
Andy Bertrand (6-2, 191, *Jr.) and Brian Clark (6-3, 198, So.) both return after seeing limited action last season. Bertrand, one of the fastest players on the team, will battle Hicks at the split end spot, while Clark will back up Cotchery at flanker.
One reason the Wolfpack defense led the ACC last season was the play of the offensive scout team, led by two fleet-footed wideouts who were both ineligible for competition. Tramain Hall (5-11, 183, *So.) sat out after transferring from junior college, and combined with Richard Washington (6-0, 164, *Fr.) to give the Pack two offensive weapons on the scout squad. Another young talent, LaMart Barrett (6-1, 190, Fr.), joined the Pack in January and showed promise in the spring.
"Tramain and Richard add another dimension to our offense with their speed and ability," said Amato. "With the addition of those guys to what we already have, our wide receiver unit should be one of our strongest areas this season."
Coming Wenesday: Running Backs.
