The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Mountain West Wide Receivers

For the next few weeks, we are going to preview some of the most intriguing positions in the Mountain West for the upcoming football season. This week we are previewing the wide receivers. Some of the strongest units from last year will look to reload, while other teams bring back plenty of talent.

The Good:

Boise State

The Broncos should have the best wide receiver group in the Mountain West. They lose senior wide receivers AJ Richardson and Sean Modster, but they are being replaced by receivers with more potential. John Hightower returns and will spread the field for the Broncos. Hightower will join forces with sophomore Khalil Shakir who seems poised for a breakout season. The Broncos will also have CT Thomas, Akilian Butler, Octavius Evans, and Stefan Cobbs. There is no shortage of talent at wideout for the Broncos.

Fresno State

The Bulldogs lost their top receiver and a huge talent in KeeSean Johnson, but they have a player in Derrion Grim that has the ability to be a number one receiver. Fresno State is known for developing NFL caliber receivers, and I don’t see that changing under the guidance of Jeff Tedford.

The Bad:

Colorado State

The Rams lost their top two receivers is Preston Williams and Olabisi Johnson. The Rams have proven that they can reload at the wide receiver position, but dipping into the transfer pool too many times may come back to haunt them.

Wyoming

The Cowboys went from a quarterback that struggled to throw the ball to a quarterback that doesn’t want to throw the ball. It will be interesting to see if Chambers improves as a passer and becomes a true, dual threat quarterback. The Cowboys need to establish Raghib Ismael Jr. and Austin Conway as reliable receivers.

Utah State

Utah State lost nearly all of their proven weapons. Greene and Tarver will be difficult to replace. Jordan Love is a special talent, but it will be almost impossible to replicate his production from last season after losing receivers like Greene and Tarver and replacing the entire offensive line.

San Jose State

The Spartans bring back a dynamic receiver in Tre Walker, but there are plenty of question marks at the other receiver positions. I think there is some talent that the Spartans can tap, but do they have a quarterback that can get them the ball?

The Ugly:

New Mexico

The Lobos went from a triple option to a lot of confusion. Their new offense should be more appealing to wide receivers, but do the Lobos have an elite receiver that can bring their offense to the 21st century?

San Diego State

The Aztecs lost their best receiver in Fred Trevillion. He was dynamic in the deep passing game and was the only legit threat in the passing game. Before San Diego State can establish any receivers, they will have to find a quarterback that can get them the ball.

That’s it for this edition of “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.” Stay tuned for next week’s edition, as we will be making some bold predictions for the 2019 season.