LSU Wide Receiver Tradition In Good Hands

By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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SouthernPigskin.com Columnist Kris Brauner breaks down the rich tradition of outstanding wide receivers at LSU.

By Kris Brauner
SouthernPigskin.com Columnist

SouthernPigskin.com Columnist Kris Brauner breaks down the rich tradition of outstanding wide receivers at LSU.  Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

Over the last decade, LSU has established itself as the premier school in the SEC and one of the best in the nation for putting wide receivers into the NFL.  Since the 2001 draft, 10 LSU receivers have been selected in the NFL Draft, the highest number for any SEC school over that time period.  In addition, seven of those players were selected in the top three rounds of the draft.  That number also represents the highest in the league. 

LSU’s success at the receiver position has not been limited to the NFL Draft.  LSU routinely gets outstanding production from their receivers.  In all but one season last decade, LSU had at least one receiver on an All-SEC team. 

LSU’s list of receiver standouts this decade begins with 2001 Biletnikoff Award winner Josh Reed, who is LSU’s all-time leader in receiving yards.  The list ends with Brandon Lafell who finished his career third in receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and second in receiving touchdowns in LSU’s history books.  In between are several other stars such as Michael Clayton, Dwayne Bowe, and Early Doucet that litter the LSU record book. 

Can LSU continue this tradition?  For the foreseeable future, it certainly appears so.  Who are the players next in line to carry the torch? 

Senior Terrance Toliver looks to build on his successful 2009 campaign where he hauled in 53 passes for 735 yards as the Tigers’ #2 receiver.  He enters 2010 as LSU’s primary target and is currently the top senior receiver on Mel Kiper’s list of prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft. 

Sophomore Reuben Randle looks to step into the spotlight after spending his freshman season learning behind Lafell and Toliver.  According to most at spring practice, Randle looked the part of an All-SEC receiver while Toliver battled an injury to his hand.  Like most of LSU’s successful receivers this decade, Randle is big and physical but still able to make plays after the catch.  Tiger fans expect big things from Randle in the fall. 

Looking further into the future, incoming freshman James Wright may make some noise on the depth chart and contribute in 2010.  Wright has good size for a freshman receiver and does everything well.  He’s also not afraid to block, and that may get him on the field this fall.  Going one step further, Class of 2011 receiver Jarvis Landry, a LSU verbal commitment, looks like a ready-made star and is sure to contribute immediately upon arriving in Baton Rouge. 

Here is a list of all SEC receivers drafted last decade: 

Alabama
Triandos Luke (2004 - 6th round)
Freddie Milons (2002 - 5th round)
Jason McAddley (2002 - 5th round)

Arkansas
Marcus Monk (2008 - 7th round)
Matt Jones (2005 - 1st round)

Auburn
Courtney Taylor (2007 - 6th round)
Devin Aromashodu (2006 - 7th round)
Ben Obamanu (2006 - 7th round)
Jeris McIntyre (2004 - 6th round)
Tim Carter (2002 - 2nd round)

Florida
Riley Cooper (2010 - 5th round)
Percy Harvin (2009 - 1st round)
Louis Murphy (2009 - 4th round)
Andre Caldwell (2008 -3rd round)
Dallas Baker (2007 - 7th round)
Chad Jackson (2006 - 2nd round)
Taylor Jacobs (2003 - 2nd round)
Jabar Gaffney (2002 - 2nd round)
Reche Caldwell (2002 - 2nd round)

Georgia
Mohamed Massaquoi (2009 - 2nd round)
Reggie Brown (2005 - 2nd round)
Fred Gibson (2005 - 4th round)

Kentucky
Keenan Burton (2008 - 4th round)
Steve Johnson (2008 - 7th round)
Derek Abney (2004 - 7th round)
Quentin McCord (2001 - 7th round)

LSU
Brandon Lafell (2010 - 3rd round)
Demetrius Byrd (2009 - 7th round)
Early Doucet (2008 - 3rd round)
Dwayne Bowe (2007 - 1st round)
Craig Davis (2007 - 1st round)
Skyler Green (2006 - 4th round)
Bennie Brazell (2006 - 7th round)
Michael Clayton (2004 - 1st round)
Devery Henderson (2004 - 1st round)
Josh Reed (2002 - 2nd round)

Mississippi State
None

Ole Miss
Mike Wallace (2009 - 3rd round)

South Carolina
Kenny McKinley (2009 - 5th round)
Sidney Rice (2007 - 2nd round)
Troy Williamson (2005 - 1st round)

Tennessee
Robert Meacham (2007 - 1st round)
Mark Jones (2004 - 7th round)
Kelly Washington (2003 - 3rd round)
Donte Stallworth (2002 - 1st round)
Cedric Wilson (2001 - 6th round)

Vanderbilt
Earl Bennett (2008 - 3rd round)

.....

Kris has a blog called the Saturday Night Slant. You can also follow the Saturday Night Slant on Twitter or Facebook.

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