Position Preview: Wide Receiver

(Photo courtesy of Larry Sellers)

I really enjoyed researching and visiting with Coach Arnheim about the wide receiver group.  This group is so talented and explosive.  Returning the top three receivers from a year ago is a huge advantage for whoever is the new quarterback.  Johnson, Anderson, and Brown (AKA The Lawfirm) is an experienced group who has been through the ups and downs of college football and can provide great mentoring to the younger guys in the position group. Arnheim shared that he is so proud of this group and how they have evolved from young and inexperienced to being a veteran unit.  He also shared how much they love being coached and all strive to get better, every day. 

#15 Cade Johnson, 5-10, 175, returns for his junior season and is clearly the top receiver in the league.  He has also appeared on multiple preseason All-American teams.  Cade is electric with the ball in his hands but he is more than just a "gadget player."  He runs shifty routes, has the speed to get behind cornerbacks, and has vision to make unbelievable runs after the catch. Arnheim said that Cade can play all over the field, not just in the slot, and that versatility is what makes him such a headache for opposing defenses.  He finished with 67 reception for 1,332 yards, and 17 TDs in 2018.  These numbers are ridiculous for a former walk-on. 

#80 Adam Anderson, 6-1, 200, those of you have followed Jackrabbit Illustrated since the beginning know that Adam Anderson is a favorite of this account.  Anderson was selected by his teammate as a captain for 2019 and Arnheim shared that is because Adam is such a hard worker and does all the little things.  It makes it easy for everyone else to work hard when they see the senior busting his tail day in and day out.  He runs beautiful routes that keep DBs on their toes, has great hands, and according to coaches has evolved into a team leader being elected as a captain in 2019.  Anderson played as redshirt freshman, had a challenging sophomore season, but came up with a huge junior year (47 receptions, 718 yards, 7 TDs) on his way to an honorable mention All-MVFC selection.  I'm expecting Adam to go out with a bang in 2019.

#1 Jacob Brown, 5-11, 200, is a senior and looking to end his Jackrabbit career on a strong note.  Jacob enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign but dealt with an array of injuries in 2018. Even with the injuries, Jacob showed his toughness by playing in all 13 games.  Brown finished the year with 11 receptions for 147 yards and 3 TD.  Arnheim shared that Brown is a phenomenal downfield blocker and really bullies defensive backs. He is a model of consistency and just brings a toughness to the group.  I'd expect Jacob to have a big senior season. 

#24 Deyon Campbell, 5-9, 175, was expected to have a huge season in 2018.  However, an injury in camp derailed the start of his season.  Deyon returned to the lineup after a few weeks and finished with 5 receptions and 40 yards.  He's someone I am keeping my eye on to make an impact in 2019.  Arnheim said he is one of the hardest workers on the team and has elite speed, something that can't be coached.  With so much talent around him, I think coaches will still need to get Deyon some dedicated touches each game because he can do so many explosive things with the ball in his hands.

#9 Jadon Janke, 6-3, 205, arrives after his redshirt season with a lot of hype.  Jadon scored one touchdown last season after catching a blocked punt.  But coaches raved about his ability to make contested catches and make runs after the catch that Jackrabbit fans have grown used to.

#10 Jaxon Janke, 6-2, 210, ditto to everything I said above for his twin brother.  Jaxon also made a splash last season returning two punts for 34 yards in the same game.  Jaxon has good hands and just approaches the game the right way according to Arnheim. Both players obviously have good size and their speed is above average, which is a deadly combination.  With two seniors  graduating after this season, the brothers will need to maximize every rep they get this season so that they are ready to step into a more prominent role.  The brothers were also excellent basketball players and they are able to use their bodies in the air to gain an advantage over the defender.   

#86 Michael Wandmaker, 6-3, 205, is a big bodied receiver who can make tough catches.  I think I shared this last year but I really appreciate how much Wandmaker seems to care for his teammates and their success.  Arnheim has loved how Michael has developed, how hard he has worked, and wants to get him involved in the offense in 2019.  Last year against Arkansas Pine-Bluff Wandmaker busted off the big 76 yard touchdown catch and run.  I think if he gets the opportunity, he can make plays for the Jacks.

#84 Jayd Vanderwerff, 6-1, 190, did not play in any games during his redshirt season but spent the year growing in the playbook and getting stronger.  Jayd is a hard worker that could contribute in future seasons as he is a good route runner and has good hands. Arnheim shared that Jayd's experience playing all over the field in high school helps him bring a toughness and a grittiness to to the group.  He works hard and practice and does everything that is asked of him. 

#42 Mason Leighton, 5-9, 170, is a DSU transfer who turned some heads in spring ball and during the spring strength and conditioning program when he appeared at the top of the list for some of the speed and agility competitions. However, Leighton will need to redshirt this season after transferring up. Leighton had 119 receptions in his career at DSU for 1,896 yards, and 27 TDs, including 19 TDs last year.  If Leighton can pick-up the playbook, he could be a difference maker in the slot. Arnheim is excited for his future in the program and he will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Canyon Bauer and Shane Dailey Jr. are the incoming freshmen and both have the chance to be special.  Bauer is more of an outside speedster while Dailey has tremendous agility and works from the slot.  Their highlight tapes show explosive plays with both getting seperation from defenders in a variety of different ways.  Arnheim has been so ecouraged about how they have taken the concepts from the classroom and transferred it to the field.  Both were in Brookings this summer and attended the captain's practices so they are ahead of the curve.  Given SDSU's history at developing wide receiver talent, I think the future is bright for these two!

Go Jacks!
Matt