Small School Receivers
by Jim Schmatz
By Matt Feminis
Jacoby Jones was the talk of small school receivers a year ago. In 2008, a new batch of talented small schoolers seems capable of making an impact, including a national champion.
Jerome Simpson (6-2 190), Coastal Carolina (I-AA)
Simpson started his career in 2004 with eight touchdown catches and then went on to earn second-team All-Big South honors in 2005 and first-team honors in both 2006 and 2007. A four-year starter, Simpson has been one of the most productive receivers in I-AA over the last three years. He has a solid size/speed combo, and the hands to bring down any pass thrown to him. Simpson has come a long way since his junior year when he was mainly used on fly routes. He has developed more this year and shows potential to be a very good pro. He will have to show he can release off the jams that he will face in the NFL, and show he can block downfield. His mental ability has been questioned. He stutters some when you talk to him, and some wonder if he will be able to digest an NFL playbook. If he can do that, expect Simpson to play for a long time in the NFL. He is a projected 4th-6th round pick by most NFL scouts and will participate in the East-West Shrine game.
Edward Williams, (6-4 205), Lane College (Division II)
Williams is of a similar mold to former Lane receiver Jacoby Jones. He is a half step slower and doesn’t return kicks as well as Jacoby, so his stock is not as high at this point. He is a three-time All-SIAC selection, but hasn’t had the production you would expect from a draftable Division II receiver. Williams’ game translates more to the NFL than most, so scouts are giving him more of a look than you would expect from his numbers. He had surgery on his shoulder prior to this past season, but should be 100 percent. A good route runner, Williams is disciplined and physical. He will go across the middle, something many receivers don’t like to do. He must improve his consistency and his ability to adjust to the deep ball. He has shown he will drop passes at times. His senior campaign wasn’t enough to push him into the mid rounds but a solid postseason could land Williams as high as the late 4th round. As of now he is a 6th-7th round projection.
Dexter Jackson (5-10 180), Appalachian State (I-AA)
The nation got a look at ASU’s talent in their historic upset of Michigan in September, and Jackson is one of multiple Mountainers with pro potential. Jackson, who doubles as a track star, displays explosive speed, and can be lethal after the catch. His timed numbers legitimize his playing speed, as Jackson has recorded a 10.44 100 meter dash and a 4.33 40-yard dash. His agility isn’t what you’d expect out of a smallish receiver, but he is quick out of breaks, and his straight-line, nine-route speed is attributable to his track background. Jackson averaged nearly 23 yards per reception for the I-AA national champs, while also returning punts. With added strength and polish, don’t be surprised if his stock rises between now and April.
Jaymar Johnson (6-1 180), Jackson State (I-AA)
A Gary, IN product, Johnson is the latest in a line of Southwestern Athletic Conference receivers hoping to make a splash in the NFL. Over the years, players such as John Stallworth, Jerry Rice, Donald Driver, Jimmy Smith, and Torrance Small have made the jump. Johnson’s best asset is his speed (sub-4.5), which enabled him to average over 17 yards per reception the last two years. He also returns punts.
Bruce Hocker (6-4 205), Duquesne (I-AA)
A decorated I-AA receiver who played in receiver-friendly offense, Hocker possesses intriguing size and good speed. A broken collarbone sidelined him for the majority of his sophomore season, but he rebounded with an All-American junior year. Hocker has been a consistent play-maker when healthy, averaging a touchdown every five receptions.
Other notables: Arman Shields (Duquesne); Pierre Garcon (Mount Union); Paul Raymond (Brown); Jayson Foster (Georgia Southern); Micah Rucker (Eastern Illinois)