In search of a formula to rank statistical performances of wide receivers with one number I arrived at receptions times 10, plus receiving yards, plus touchdowns times 100.
Until coming up with a better term, we’ll call it “productivity rating,” although it probably ought to be called Brisconomics given the remarkable numbers Dezmon Briscoe posted in 2008.
Anyway, the formula calls attention to what a terrific sophomore season Steven Sims enjoyed in 2016, ranking sixth among seasons produced by Kansas receivers in the 21st century.
Sims came out of Richmond High in the Houston area with a two-star rating from Rivals but judging from the way Kansas football coaches talked about him as a prospect it was evident they disagreed with the rating. Sims entertained offers from McNeese State, Southeastern Louisiana and Stephen F. Austin. Listed at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds in high school, Sims was bypassed by bigger schools looking for bigger receivers. He showed from Day 1 he was worthy of a Big 12 scholarship.
After a promising freshman season, Sims produced Kansas decade highs in receptions (72), receiving yards (859) and touchdown receptions (seven).
The top 21 statistical receiving performances of the 21st century:
Receiver (Year)……………………..Rec…Yds…………TD….Total
1 – Dezmon Briscoe (08)………. 92…..1,407………15…..3,827
2 – Dezmon Briscoe (09)………..84……1,337……….9…..3,077
3 – Kerry Meier (08)……………….97…..1,045………..8…..2,815
4 – Kerry Meier (09)……………..102………985……….8…..2,805
5 – Marcus Henry (07)……………54…..1,014……….10….2,554
6 – Steven Sims (16)……………..72………859……….7….2,279
7 – Dexton Fields (07)…………….63………834………6…..2,064
8 – Mark Simmons (03)…………..40……..769……….7….1,869
9 – Charles Gordon (03)…………..57……..769……….5….1,839
10 – Brandon Rideau (04)………..51…….597……….7….1,807
11 – Brandon Rideau (03)………..51 ……677……….6….1,787
12-LaQuvionte Gonzalez (16)…..62…….729………..3….1,649
13 – Dezmon Briscoe (07) ……….43…….496………..5….1,626
14 – Mark Simmons (05)…………..44……..631………4….1,471
15 – Nick Harrwell (14)……………..44……..470………5….1,410
16 – Dexton Fields (06)……………..45…….455………5….1,405
17 – Byron Gassaway (02)…………39…….490……..5….1,380
18 – Jimmay Mundine* (14)………..45…….584……..3…1,334
19 – Mark Simmons (04)……………48…….553……..3…1,333
20 – Tre’ Parmalee (15)………………41……599……..3…1,309
21 – Johnathan Wilson (08)………..43……573……..3…1,303
*Only tight end on list. All others are wide receivers.
