QB-WR Combos That Will Light Up CFB in 2018
It's special when a defense knows a quarterback wants to target a certain wide receiver, yet the tandem connects anyway.
Over the last two seasons, connections like Oklahoma State's Mason Rudolph and James Washington and Memphis' Riley Ferguson and Anthony Miller graced the college football world. But they're all headed to the NFL.
There will be several new productive combinations leading the way in 2018. Though some talents are familiar, several of the players aren't nationally recognized names.
Keep in mind these aren't necessarily the most talented duos; for example, Penn State's Trace McSorley and Juwan Johnson. This list is focused on the most production.
Eric Dungey and Devin Butler, Syracuse
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The QB's strengths: Eric Dungey is elite at getting hurt, so that demands an asterisk. But when he's healthy, the dual-threat quarterback is accurate with short and intermediate throws that don't take long to develop. That's a perfect match for Dino Babers' quick-strike offense.
The WR's strengths: The 6'3", 196-pound Devin Butler offers an enticing blend of stature, speed and leaping ability. Perhaps more importantly, though, a competent outside receiver in Babers' system will be flooded with targets. Steve Ishmael reeled in 105 catches last year, and Amba Etta-Tawo collected 94 in 2016.
What to expect in 2018: Hopefully Dungey can avoid yet another injury. He's been a formidable quarterback for three years but still hasn't played more than nine games in a season. The losses of Ishmael and inside receiver Ervin Philips have created enormous opportunity, and Butler is the most experienced returning player.
Ben Hicks and James Proche, SMU
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The QB's strengths: While throwing for 3,569 yards and 33 touchdowns, Ben Hicks showed excellent velocity and decent mobility. His arm strength looks natural, and he's comfortable throwing both in the pocket and down the seams. When he sets his feet and fires, Hicks can be impressive.
The WR's strengths: James Proche isn't a burner off the line, but he's a shifty receiver with top-end speed. As a sophomore, Proche showcased his elusiveness with 12 catches of 25-plus yards and ranked 13th nationally at 20.4 yards per reception.
What to expect in 2018: In Sonny Dykes' Air Raid offense, there's often a true No. 1 receiver. SMU must replace 182 catches, 2,321 yards and 25 touchdowns from Trey Quinn and Courtland Sutton, and Proche is the only returning wide receiver who notched more than 10 catches. Hicks will regularly look for Proche.
Drew Lock and Johnathon Johnson, Missouri
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The QB's strengths: Drew Lock needs to work on his accuracy, but he's efficient in his rhythm and sure can rifle the football. His arm strength is outstanding, and he's one of college football's best at launching catchable downfield passes. In 2017, Lock set an SEC record and led the country with 44 touchdowns.
The WR's strengths: Although Emanuel Hall is a great deep-ball threat, Johnathon Johnson is a more complete target. The slot receiver is explosive off the line and has breakaway speed after the catch.
What to expect in 2018: The departure of offensive coordinator Josh Heupel to UCF is a concern, especially since Derek Dooley is an unproven play-caller. Nevertheless, Johnson should be heavily involved on screens, slants and vertical routes.
Manny Wilkins and N'Keal Harry, Arizona State
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The QB's strengths: Beyond his mobility to roll the pocket or extend plays, Manny Wilkins has a strong arm. According to Pro Football Focus, he led Pac-12 quarterbacks with a 122.3 rating on deep passes (20-plus yards). Wilkins can get caught putting too much air under the ball, but his velocity is typically superb.
The WR's strengths: Fortunately for Wilkins, he has a player like N'Keal Harry who can climb the ladder for catches. The leaping ability combined with strong hands has helped him become a tremendous red-zone threat. Eleven of Harry's 13 career touchdowns have occurred inside the 20.
What to expect in 2018: Arizona State also has a new offensive coordinator, but Herm Edwards—yeah, still not used to that—promoted from within. Rob Likens served as the co-OC in 2017 and saw firsthand what worked best. He won't stray from providing Wilkins chances to attack defenses with Harry.
Tyree Jackson and Anthony Johnson, Buffalo
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The QB's strengths: Buffalo opened up the offense late in 2017, and Tyree Jackson put together the best stretch of his young career. The 6'7" quarterback has a predictably powerful arm for his size yet has showed impressive touch on downfield passes.
The WR's strengths: First and foremost, Anthony Johnson is reliable. He rarely drops a pass. Additionally, he displays great concentration and attacks the ball when needed—particularly on downfield throws—and is adept at shaking the first tackle after securing a catch.
What to expect in 2018: The Bulls shuffled through a few quarterbacks last season due to injury, but the connection between Jackson and Johnson must be featured. Over the last four games, Johnson caught 27 passes for 529 yards and eight touchdowns. There's a legitimate chance he'll lead the nation in receiving.
McKenzie Milton and Dredrick Snelson, UCF
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The QB's strengths: McKenzie Milton doesn't seem to have a major weakness in his game. During UCF's undefeated campaign, he displayed outstanding downfield touch, accuracy and velocity. Milton's decision-making was excellent in 2017, and he earned top-five marks nationally with a 67.1 completion percentage (fourth) and 10.2 yards per attempt (second).
The WR's strengths: Dredrick Snelson has the speed to beat defenders deep and the ability to create separation at the catch. That healthy combination showed up against Austin Peay, USF and Memphis, and he has also flashed some improvisational skills when Milton extends the play.
What to expect in 2018: Milton connected with Tre'Quan Smith for 1,171 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and Snelson will assume the role as No. 1 target in 2017. They'll improve on Snelson's 46/695/8 line under incoming coach Josh Heupel.
Brent Stockstill and Ty Lee, Middle Tennessee
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The QB's strengths: During his freshman and sophomore years, Brent Stockstill atoned for unspectacular arm strength with terrific accuracy. That dipped in 2017, but an early-season injury—a cracked sternum—certainly didn't help. We anticipate he'll rebound as a senior.
The WR's strengths: Stockstill has plenty of reason to feed Lee targets; the wideout is electric in the open field. The 5'9", 163-pounder already has 142 catches at MTSU and uses that small stature to his advantage when eluding would-be tacklers.
What to expect in 2018: An injury kept star wideout Richie James on the sideline for much of 2017 anyway, but Lee will officially be the featured target. Though quick-hitters will provide Lee more opportunity than other wideouts, that's where he excels. And there's no reason to fix what's not broken.
Will Grier and David Sills V, West Virginia
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The QB's strengths: Will Grier is not the most accurate deep-ball thrower, but his volume of downfield attempts balances that out. Plus, the Florida transfer is tremendously accurate at the intermediate level. In other words, he racks up air yards and doesn't rely on receivers to make plays after the catch. Grier ended 2017 ranked eighth in FBS with 317.3 total yards per game.
The WR's strengths: Famous for receiving a scholarship offer from USC as a 13-year-old quarterback, David Sills V reinvented himself as a wide receiver. And, whew, is he a great one. Sills emerged last season as a premier red-zone threat. Of the 14 passes he caught inside the 20-yard line, 12 resulted in six points.
What to expect in 2018: If you want to add Gary Jennings—who had 97 receptions in 2017—that's fine, too. But the Grier-Sills connection was downright lethal in scoring territory. Sills will attempt to reprise that role while adding more targets between the 20s following the departure of Ka'Raun White.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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