2012 Receivers
Wide Receiver
Key Departures: Derek Moye
Projected Starters: Devon Smith (Sr), Justin Brown (Sr), Curtis Drake (Jr)
Depth: Shawney Kersey (Jr - If he stays), Christian Kuntz (Jr), Brandon Moseby-Felder (Jr), Bill Belton (So), Allen Robinson (So), Alex Kenney (So - May move back here from corner), Matt Zanellato (Fr)
Incoming Commits: Eugene Lewis, Malik Golden, Trevor Williams, Jonathan Warner
Tight End
Key Departures: Andrew Szczerba
Projected Starter: Kevin Haplea (Jr)
Depth: Gary Gilliam (Jr), Kyle Carter (Fr)
Incoming Commits: Jesse James, Brent Wilkerson (may play DE)
While losing Derek Moye obviously hurts, there should be plenty of experienced depth at the WR spot this year. Belton and Drake got more time near the end of the season, mostly in a wildcat role, but that could help them play out of the slot or the backfield in 2012. Allen Robinson was a surprise contributor as a true freshman, so he could be up for more PT this year, along with Moseby-Felder and Kuntz. It's not clear if Kersey is going to stick around, but he's certainly got the talent to make an impact if he does. The saga of Alex Kenney is a perplexing one. He's been shuttled between offense and defense so often, it's hard to keep up. Reports are he's much more comfortable on offense, though. O'Brien and Hixon have said Eugene Lewis could make an immediate impact, while Golden and Williams may end up on defense before too long.
At TE, Haplea will resume his role of the steady, unspectacular starter. The difference this year will likely be how much O'Brien trusts him and his TE counterparts in the passing game. If Gilliam is fully healthy, he could be in for an increased role. Coaches have raved about his athletic ability in the past. Let's hope he's good to go and not too rusty. If not, Kyle Carter and true freshman and early enrollee, Jesse James, could see good PT this year. I'd also expect to see Kuntz lining up as a flex TE or H-Back this year. It's not clear yet, but Wilkerson could end up at DE.