Aug. 3, 2007

This is the seventh in an eight-part series previewing the Texas State Bobcats position by position.

SAN MARCOS - For wide receivers, leveling a downfield block is definitely not the most glamorous part about playing the position. But with the addition of wide receivers coach Kevin Brown, improving blocking skills was something that was stressed from Day One.

"Coach (Travis) Bush has done a great job with our receivers but you always look for areas of improvement," Brown said. "I wanted to see improvement in not only how our receivers executed their blocks but the mentality they have when it comes to blocking.

"A lot of times when you start talking to receivers about blocking, they balk at it a little bit," Brown added. "Every receiver wants to catch the ball. But we have stressed blocking skills and I think they have embraced it. There is no doubt that you have to be an unselfish player. But unselfish players are what winning football programs are made of."

This fall, Texas State returns a multitude of receiving weapons. Of the 16 players who had at least one reception last year, all but four return for 2007 - six receivers, three backs and three tight ends.

The lone senior in the group is Tyrone Scott. The Houston native was sidelined by an injury for part of the 2006 season and missed the entire spring. He caught 15 balls for 170 yards as a junior but spent the spring helping to develop Texas State's young talent. He will return this fall and is expected to continue to be one of the team's most aggressive and physical players as well as provide senior leadership.

While Scott is back, Brown will look for underclassmen to step up into new roles and help lead the team.

Juniors Morris Crosby, Cameron Luke and Adrian Thomas all made significant strides during spring drills.

Crosby is the leading receiver back from last season. In 2006, he caught 25 passes for 391 yards and three touchdowns. Luke has now been in the Texas State program for a full year after transferring from Utah State. One of every three receptions by Luke went for a touchdown last year as he caught nine passes for 128 yards and three scores. Thomas caught 11 passes for 188 yards in 2006.

"Like Tyrone, all three of these guys are game ready," Brown said. "They have been through it. They know what to expect. All three had great springs. If they can carry their improvement over from the spring, I think all three have a chance to do some good things in the fall."

The prospect of Texas State's receivers being more involved in the Bobcats' offense is good. Texas State is expected to be more multiple than recent years. The offense could lead to receivers having more opportunities to be play makers this fall.

"Anytime you can get them the ball, they love it," Brown said. "Whether it is a running back, a receiver or a tight end, whoever can make the plays, that is who we are going to get the ball."

In addition to the mentioned players above, Texas State has additional talent at the receiver position which will be looking to contribute.

Alex Darley has the physical talent and potential to play a key role but will need to continue to develop toward that potential. Last year as a true freshman he led the team by averaging 21.2 yards per reception. He finished with 11 receptions for 233 yards and a score.

Junior Clellan Cook missed the spring and will hopefully be ready in the fall. Da'Marcus Griggs red-shirted last fall and transitioned from being a high school quarterback and defensive back to being a Division I receiver. He caught a touchdown pass in the annual spring game and finished with three receptions for 24 yards.

Also possibly figuring in the rotation is Delbert Current who saw time as a special teams player last year along with squadmen Micah Miksch and Jamal Williams.

Williams signed with the Bobcats out of Reedley College where he played running back. He is transitioning to the receiver position and continues to learn how to run routes, read coverages and catch the football.

Texas State opens preseason camp with its first practice on Monday.