Post by JayBee on Aug 10, 2007 9:20:33 GMT -5
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TALENTED RECEIVING CORPS LOOKING FORWARD TO '07
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GREENSBORO, August 10, 2007 -- Assistant Head coach Kenneth Ray, who plays a key role in putting together the Aggies offensive game plan, is adamant about finding ways to get the ball to a talented group of receivers. It’s easy to understand his determination to do so.
The Aggies top two receivers going into August camp – senior Andre Garth and sophomore Giorgio Lowrance – are 6-foot-5 and 6-4 respectively with huge bodies and tremendous athletic ability. Fobbs is excited about Lowrance’s upside and Garth is receiving consideration for preseason all-conference honors. Inside the 10-yard line, the duo could make things difficult for shorter defensive backs.
It was, however, Curtis Walls who established himself as one of the best possession receivers in the conference last season. He led the Aggies in receptions and receiving yards with 42 catches for 477 yards and one touchdown. He finished tied for eighth in the conference for receptions per game. His greatest attribute is dependability. He has made at least one reception in his last 17 games dating back to the 2005 season.
“This group is too good for us not to find a way to get them the ball,’’ said Ray. “We we’ll find a way to put the ball in their hands because we’ve got guys who can move the chains and we’ve got guys who can beat you deep.”
Once the ball is close to his hands, it rarely escapes them. If Walls established himself as an outstanding possession receiver, it was Michael Caldwell who took a step forward in being N.C. A&T’s deep threat. Caldwell had six catches of 20 yards or more, tops on the team. Fobbs describes the 5-9, 165-pound Greensboro native as being no bigger than a gnat, but having the heart of a lion.
The Aggies also have Chaz Dawson, the team’s Rookie of the Year in 2005, in the fold as a deep threat. Before the season ends, sophomores Cedric Byrd, Vernon White, Darius Dawson and Lavonte Kendrick could also figure into the offense as they display the future of the Aggies receiving corps.
“This might be the best unit on the team,’’ said head football coach Lee Fobbs. “We have a lot of athleticism here, and we have guys who can really make some big plays. But these guys will also need to block. They have to be complete football players.”
www.ncataggies.com/Football/2007%20articles/aggievreceivers.htm
