Starting Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster will lead the receivers group. True freshman Jerry Jeudy was sensational in A-Day. He caught five passes, good for 134 yards. The media gave Jeudy game MVP Dixie Howell Award honors.
Jeudy’s A-Day performance elevated him to starter status. It was only one spring game but Jeudy appears to have potential not dissimilar to Ridley, Amari Cooper and Julio Jones.
Perhaps even more surprising than Jeudy is the apparent emergence of late enrollees, true freshmen, Henry Ruggs and Devonta Smith. On a team blessed with extraordinary athletes, Ruggs’ athletic ability is exceptional. Other than needing a few more pounds, the same can be said about Smith. Fellow wide receivers and the defensive backs have been impressed with Ruggs and Smith in 7v7 drills.
In a six-player rotation, Cam Sims factors based upon his experience. Xavian Marks along with true freshman Tyrell Shavers and Chadarius Townsend have a chance to be in the mix. Derek Kief was not much of a factor during A-Day, but the redshirt junior has experience and is respected for his blocking ability.
By October, we expect Ruggs to be part of the six-wide rotation. Devonta Smith may get there as well.