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OK, so we now know — whether we agree with the NCAA’s decision or not — that Kansas University sophomore wide receiver Justin McCay, a transfer from Oklahoma, will have to sit out the 2012 season and will not be eligible to play again until 2013, when he’ll be a junior.
It’s a tough break for McCay, for sure, but it does not cripple the KU offense. Not at all.
Based on what they did this spring, along with what they’ve done in the past, it looks as if seniors D.J. Beshears, Daymond Patterson and Kale Pick will be three of the guys who catch passes from Dayne Crist this fall.
The question now becomes — who will join them? I had thought all along that McCay would be that guy, but now that he’s out, let’s look at some other candidates, in no particular order.
• Christian Matthews, 6-1, 200, junior
Former quarterback still making the adjustment to wide receiver. Had a quiet spring, but his big springs of the past never carried over into the season. Could the opposite be true this fall for the bigger, more polished wideout?
• Chris Omigie, 6-4, 202, junior
Could this be the year that Omigie becomes a legit option in the passing game? If that question sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Omigie always has looked the part, but has had a hard time delivering at gametime. Weis’ offense has always treated tall targets well.
• Josh Ford, 6-4, 195, junior
Big, fast, athletic target who attacks the ball in the air. I think he gains the most from the McCay news and his is a name KU fans should learn quickly.
• Erick McGriff, 6-1, 214, junior
Familiar face, but I didn’t hear his name much this spring and he didn’t show up on the initial depth chart.
• JaCorey Shepherd, 5-11, 185, sophomore
Had a solid freshman season when KU needed someone to step up. Listed third at his position on the pre-spring depth chart, but has a ton of talent and confidence.
• Andrew Turzilli, 6-3, 185, sophomore
Could very well be on the verge of breaking through. So far, Turzilli pretty much has only played in mop-up time, but he’s caught darn near everything thrown his way when he’s been in there.
• Ricki Herod, 6-2, 190, sophomore
Third year in the program, but has yet to make a name for himself.
• Connor Embree, 5-10, 186, sophomore
The son of Colorado coach Jon Embree is more out of the mold of Patterson and Beshears, which will make playing time tough to come by until they’re gone.
• Tre Parmalee, 5-10, 160, freshman
With this much depth, the Bishop Miege High prospect known for sensational route-running is a likely red-shirt candidate unless the coaching staff believes he can help on special teams.
For those still with me, I’ll leave you with a little treat — a percentage wheel regarding which KU receiver on this list will make the biggest impact for the KU offense this season.
1. Josh Ford — 36%
2. Christian Matthews — 25%
3. Chris Omigie — 18%
4. JaCorey Shepherd — 14%
5. Other — 7%
