The Returners:
With Medaris gone and two players transferring out that played significant minutes last season the returning group will look a little big different. The leading receiver Alec Pierce. Pierce had 37 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team in receiving yards and was second on the team in catches. He will be in the mix to make a jump in his junior season.
The question is who will emerge between Blue Smith, Jayshon Jackson, Garyn Prater and Tre Tucker. Smith transferred in from Ohio State last season and has a ton of potential if he can stay healthy, I can see him being a huge factor sooner than later. Jackson had a great freshman season and took a step back last season, but also has shown some nice flashes out of the slot. Tucker made an impact as a freshman and a guy with his speed and quickness will have a chance to make some plays, I think he will make a nice freshman to sophomore jump. Prater also transferred from Ohio State and has the size to make impact if he can stay healthy as well.
Overall, this group has a chance to be much improved this year, if so then it will be up to Denbrock and Ridder to take this group to the next level.
