The Big Ten is absolutely loaded with talent once again heading in to this year. The one area that at least on the surface appears to be lacking somewhat is wide receiver. An argument could have been made for Michael Thomas or Leonte Carroo as the best wide receivers in the conference last season but both moved on and a new group of receivers are primed to compete for the role of best in the Big Ten. Here is a look at the top four Big Ten wide receivers heading in to the 2016 season.
Jehu Chesson, Michigan Wolverines
At 6’3’’ and 200 pounds, Chesson is just as capable of a deep threat as he is a possession receiver and he gave a glimpse of his potential towards the end of last season with some impressive numbers. Chesson had 27 catches for 505 yards and six touchdowns over Michigan’s final four games and by the end of the year he was being talked about for his immense potential to take another step forward this season. When you’re projecting players that should break out, having a strong finish like that is typically what propels players to new heights the following season. Chesson should see plenty of touches with even without Jake Rudock in the mix for the Wolverines and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he led the Big Ten in receiving yards in 2016.
Chris Goodwin, Penn State Nittany Lions
Goodwin is coming off a monster season at Penn State in which he ranked second in the Big Ten in receiving yards with 69 catches for 1,101 yards and five touchdowns. Godwin’s average of 16.0 yards per reception was better than the Big Ten’s leading receiver from Michigan State Aaron Burbridge and the potential is there for him to be even better in his junior year. It will be interesting to see how he meshes with a new quarterback at Penn State. Remember that Goodwin’s numbers are impressive when you consider that he played in an offense that had a very sluggish passing game last season. Yes, Christian Hackenberg was under center but he never panned out as a top recruit and he really struggled with consistency. Goodwin is one of those players that could start to earn national notoriety if he is paired with a competent quarterback.
The 6’1’’, 208-pound receiver has all of the tools to succeed at the pro level and he could decide to make the jump to the NFL following another big year for the Nittany Lions.
Simmie Cobbs Jr., Indiana Hoosiers
Cobbs Jr. ranked third in the Big Ten in receiving yards last season despite just 60 catches, which was a testament to his big play ability. Indiana’s top vertical threat averaged 17.3 yards per catch on his 60 receptions to finish with 1,035 yards and four scores. At 6’4’’ and 212 pounds, Cobbs Jr. will provide constant matchup problems for opposing defenses that will be looking to keep him in check and there is a good chance he tops his production from last year as one of the leaders on the Hoosiers offense. This is a very explosive offense now where he’ll collect plenty of stats.
Jordan Westerkamp, Nebraska Cornhuskers
Westerkamp opted to stay on for one more year at Nebraska and the coaches have to be thrilled with his decision. The Huskers’ leading receiver caught 65 passes for 918 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago and he will have every chance to put up similar numbers again this season. Nebraska will likely try to do a better job of stretching the field with its vertical passing game a little more in order to open up additional routes underneath this season and Westerkamp will be an integral piece in their plans. Under Bo Pelini, the Cornhuskers were a challenged offense as they always struggled to consistently move the ball through the air. However, they’ve now morphed into a more organized offense in just one year under Mike Riley. They ranked 33rd in passing offense last year, averaging 266.9 yards per game. The issue was that the quarterbacks were still off as they only completed 55.9% of their passes – 87th in the country. If they can be a little more accurate, Westerkamp’s numbers should improve significantly in 2016.
