They talk about the quarterbacks, the great teams, the tougher-than-expected defenses, East Coast bias. But for all the bright lights shining on the Pac-10, the spotlight is neglecting one area -- the receivers. The league is loaded with arguably the best collection of game-breaking receivers of any conference, and here's a look at those who will make the highlight-reel plays and leave defenders wondering why they chose to play in the Pac-10. The Good Hands People | Player | 2004 stats | Comment |
Dominique Byrd, USC
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37 rec., 662 yds., 12.7 avg., 4 TDs |
Don't let the fact he's a tight end fool you; Byrd not only handles the short routes but also has the ability -- and speed -- to go deep and the hands to make the spectacular look routine (see: one-handed grab vs. Oklahoma in Orange Bowl). The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder will be a red-zone threat, and he is a matchup headache for the rest of the conference. |
Mike Hass,
Oregon State
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86 rec., 1,379 yds., 16.0 avg., 7 TDs |
A former walk-on, Hass was first-team All-Pac-10 last year and is on the verge of becoming one of the Pac-10's all-time best. Last year, he broke OSU's single-season records for receptions and yards and is on pace to finish his career third in Pac-10 history in receiving yards and 11th in receptions. "He's one of the most underrated receivers," Arizona safety Darrell Brooks said. "He has the speed to go by you, but runs great routes as well and does all the little things needed to be great." |
Derek Hagan,
Arizona State
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83 rec., 1,248 yds., 15.0 avg., 10 TDs |
Hagan makes it look so simple. He makes it sound even simpler. "I don't think it's that hard. I just do the little things -- work out a little more, watch a little more film, work on running routes," he said. "They throw the ball, and I just try to catch it." So far, the simple plan is working. He has at least 108 yards in 14 of his last 20 games and is arguably the Pac-10's best receiver (Brooks gushed about Hagan's speed, hands and ability to take every pass the distance) and is certain to become ASU's best ever. Still, the too-good-to-be-true Hagan can't help himself. "It's great to be recognized, but if we don't win, stats don't matter." |
Jason Hill, Washington State
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45 rec., 1,007 yds., 22.4 avg., 12 TDs |
The number that jumps off the stat sheet is 22.4 yards per reception. Twenty-two-point-four yards per catch? Hill led the Pac-10 in that category (duh) and was third in receiving yards. Not bad for a player in his first year as a starter. Hill set the school record for receiving TDs and was the Cougars' offensive MVP. And get this -- he's getting better. The 6-2 junior is no longer just a speed guy. Hill is now able to read coverages much better, allowing him to find openings he might not have found last year. |
Dwayne Jarrett, USC
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55 rec., 849 yds., 15.4 avg., 13 TDs |
Mike who? Jarrett eased the loss of Mike Williams by playing like, well, Mike Williams. His 13 TDs was one off the freshman mark set by ... Williams. The 6-5 sophomore is tall with long arms and creates instant mismatches, just like Williams used to do. One difference -- QB Matt Leinart says Jarrett is even more athletic. It took a few games for Jarrett to feel at home at USC and really get rolling (he didn't start until game six). It's frightening to think how good Jarrett could be this year now that he is relaxed and comfortable with the Trojans' offense. |
Marcedes Lewis, UCLA
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32 rec., 402 yds., 12.6 avg., 7 TDs |
Lewis might not have the receptions or yards or average of the others, but he is just as dangerous as any of this group. Lewis, a 6-6, 256-pound senior tight end, has the strength of a lineman and the speed and hands of a receiver (UCLA has lined him up wide to take advantage of mismatches). Maybe Lewis' most telling stat is that of his 32 receptions, 25 resulted in first downs. |
Steve Smith, USC
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42 rec., 660 yards, 15.7 avg., 6 TDs |
After missing five games with a broken leg, Smith had a coming out party in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma with seven catches for 113 yards and three TDs. He's not the flashiest of receivers, he's just solid and dependable and finds ways to make big plays. He doesn't seem fast, but nobody ever seems to catch him. He doesn't seem wide open, but he always make the catch. The only question this year is whether there are enough touches to go around in that USC offense. |
Demetrius Williams, Oregon
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47 rec., 593 yds., 12.6 avg., 2 TDs |
OK, first of all, forget last year's stats. They're a funhouse mirror and in no way reflect how good Williams can be. Flash back to 2003, when he had four 100-yard receiving games, when he scored a team-high eight TDs. And flash forward to this year, when the new spread offense installed by Gary Crowton will allow Williams to use his athleticism and speed to make plays and gain yards after the catch. |
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