Player by player breakdown: WR
LOSSES: Stacy Coley, Malcolm Lewis
RETURNING: Braxton Berrios, Lawrence Cager, Dayall Harris, Darrell Langham, Dionte Mullins, Ahmmon Richards
BRAXTON BERRIOS, SR.
If there ever was a season for Berrios to emerge, 2016 was it. He was best friends with Brad Kaaya, and the experienced receiver depth was almost negligible. But Berrios wound up basically being a glorified return man, as he finished with only 12 catches on offense. Could that change next season? Don't bet on it with a more seasoned Dionte Mullins and healthy Lawrence Cager plus what should be a talented influx of true freshmen. Look for Berrios to play a bit part on offense and continue his return duties in 2017. And not to be overlooked is his leadership skills, which count for a lot on a young team.
LAWRENCE CAGER, RSO.
Cager was in line for a starting job this season before a summer season-ending knee injury. He's rehabbed well and will certainly be in line for major reps next season as a physical wideout with good speed. His return to action won't make up for losing Stacy Coley, but in conjunction with guys like Dionte Mullins and a talented freshman class this receiving corps should be fine.
DAYALL HARRIS, RJR.
Harris has to be counted as a disappointment considering UM coaches brought him in from junior college to make an immediate impact at a weak receiver spot. Harris wound up with just nine catches for 90 yards, and it's hard to see him getting a ton of work next year given Lawrence Cager's return and Dionte Mullins' progress plus the incoming class. Harris needs to really improve his speed this off-season to get an increased workload.
DARRELL LANGHAM, RJR.
We consider Langham a transfer candidate. He's too slow to be an impact receiver and not physical enough to move to tight end.
DIONTE MULLINS, SO.
Mullins wound up playing in three games this season with a tackle on special teams. Hurting his progress was a late arrival in the fall as he awaited NCAA clearance. He flashed at times in practices and should become more and more consistent as he continues his development. We expect him to get plenty of reps next season give his talent level. This is a guy who is shifty and fast, and he's got great hands. All the ingredients to be a top receiver at this level are there, now Mullins just has to work hard to reach his ultimate potential.
AHMMON RICHARDS, SO.
The sky is the limit for Richards, who has to be considered one of the nation's most talented returning receivers as just a sophomore. He's coming off a freshman year in which he had 934 yards and would have topped 1,000 if not for some early season drops. A new QB could affect his output, of course, so it's important that Richards and whoever emerges behind center get on the same page quickly to really get that chemistry building. Richards is too fast for a corner to keep up with, so he'll demand constant double teams. Therefore it's important another Cane receiver also step up to take some pressure off (as Stacy Coley did this season). Our bet is Dionte Mullins is that guy next season, but Mullins really has to improve his consistency this spring and beyond. Richards and RB Mark Walton will be the two guys opposing coordinators circle next season as `Guys we have to stop.' So they have to be ready to answer that challenge.
