The answer ended up being Reesing, but it hardly matters if the guys downfield don’t do their jobs.

That shouldn’t be a problem, according to those who will run the routes. Despite losing key receivers Brian Murph and Jonathan Lamb, the Jayhawks return a host of wideouts with the potential and talent to make an impact.

“This summer we’ve all worked hard,” junior Marcus Herford said. “We’ve gotten used to each other, and we’re ready to come out and make a difference. It’s our job. We just have to go out there and make it happen. Make the quarterback look good, that’s our motto.”

In order to gain playing time, they might be better off focusing on themselves. Dexton Fields and Marcus Henry are back as returning starters. Both caught 25 or more passes in 2006. Senior tight end Derek Fine, who caught 28 balls for 355 yards and five touchdowns, also warrants attention in the passing game. Add Herford, along with Raymond Brown and Jeff Foster, and you’re looking at a crowded position.

Nick Krug

As if that group didn’t provide enough options, true freshmen Dezmon Briscoe and John Wilson have impressed, according to coach Mark Mangino.

“We have a group of receivers that’s really starting to develop, that’s really starting to learn our new system,” offensive coordinator Ed Warinner said. “I think there’s a variety of guys there, and they all bring a lot of things to the table. They’re really enjoying the offense, they’re enjoying what they’re asked to do, and we have the ability to play to their strengths.”

Those strengths vary depending on who’s on the field and what the situation calls for. The depth on the outside should give the Jayhawks plenty of options.

Fields, a 6-foot junior known for his ability to play the possession role, led the Jayhawks with 45 receptions last season, was second in yardage with 455 yards and tied for the team lead in touchdowns with five. Many are expecting Henry, a 6-4 senior, to break out during his final season in Lawrence. Henry caught 25 balls for 316 yards and three touchdowns a year ago.

“The receiving corps took a lot of criticism last year, but they’re going to turn a lot of heads this year because it’s really day and night from last season,” said Fine, who considers himself part receiver, part offensive lineman. “Confidence. That’s something with our entire receiving corps. They’re 100-percent more confident this year, and that’s the biggest thing in the world. Marcus Henry has all the confidence in the world to go up and take a ball away from somebody whenever he wants to. He’s going to have a huge year for us.”

Wide receivers coach Tim Beck supported Fine’s assessment of Henry.

“He’s looking good,” Beck said. “He’s really picked up a lot, and he’s learning all the tricks of the trade.”

With a new offense in place and a solid group of returning receivers being pushed by a handful of newcomers looking to make names for themselves, the trick for the coaching staff will be finding a way to utilitize this group’s diverse talents.

“Competition’s a beautiful thing,” Beck said. “Like everybody, (our receivers) have a role to play on this team, and they’re certainly an integral part of the team. Anytime you line up with three-, four-, five-receiver sets, that’s a large percentage of the players out there. They’re a big part of our program, and they’re going to have to carry their weight and take care of their assignments and responsibilities.”