Via Last Word on College Football, by Brandon Eisenman
The Florida Gators were locked and loaded at wide receiver in 2016. Led by Antonio Callaway, the Gators’ receivers had a solid season last year and are looking to continue that success in 2017. Head Coach Jim McElwain and his staff have done a tremendous job working with these receivers to get them the ball when they can count on them the most. Callaway led the team in receiving and seeks to achieve that yet again next season. These Gators receivers could be a significant threat to the rest of the SEC given the numerous quarterbacks that the Gators have on their current roster. But the question at hand is, which quarterback will be throwing the ball to these receivers.
Florida Gators Wide Receivers Evaluation
Take the gripping ball handling skills of Callaway, match it with the speed of Tyrie Cleveland and the determination of Dre Massey, and the SEC will have their hands full trying to cover these receivers.
2016 Starters
Antonio Callaway
In 2016, Callaway caught the ball 54 times for 721 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. Not the numbers he may have wanted, but his breakout season is coming in 2017. Expect the junior to lead the way once again at receiver for the Gators.
Tyrie Cleveland
Cleveland emerged onto the scene early in the season and quickly became a fan favorite among the Gators faithful. His speed was shown in every game, especially in the crucial 99 yard touchdown catch and run he had against LSU in Baton Rouge that clinched a second straight SEC East title for Florida. Cleveland’s speed allows him to break away from defenders at a quick speed and gain a pile of yards after the catch. He finished the 2016 season with 14 receptions for 298 yards and two touchdowns. But one of those scores was in a crucial game that sent his team to the SEC Championship. Not a bad start to his career in Gainesville. Expect Cleveland to receive a lot of hype heading into the season.
Dre Massey
Massey suffered a season-ending injury early in the season and barely saw any playing time. Though he had a minor setback, his determination to come back and be a star at wide receiver is unbearable. Many around Gator nation expect Massey to have a breakout year and show everyone up. Should he refrain from any injuries, Massey could potentially be the Gators top receiver next season.
Overall Evaluation
The Gators are loaded at receiver for a few more seasons. Though it is likely that Callaway will head to the NFL after next season, they will still have speedster Tyrie Cleveland around for a few years, which could be viable to the team’s success as they search for another national championship. The combination of these three receivers gives this wide receiving corps an A. All three of these players will contribute heavily to Florida’s success in 2017.
2017 will be a big season for the Gators all around, but the receivers will play a huge role in that success. As long as the ball is thrown their way, the Gators should have no problem reaching the endzone.
